The effects of exercise using an ergometer with swaying saddle on chronic lower back pain

[Purpose] This study aims to investigate the effects of exercise using an ergometer with swaying saddle on chronic lower back pain. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-three normal adults (university students) with chronic lower back pain were randomly recruited. The flexibility and strength of muscles were measured before and after an 8-week intervention. Belly-bike, an ergometer with a swaying saddle, was used. The duration of intervention was 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week. To measure the level of pain, visual analogue scale (VAS) and Korean Oswestry Disability Index were used. In addition, flexibility tests such as straight leg raising and forward reaching test in the long sitting posture were used to confirm back muscle shortness. Activations of the erector spinae muscle, gluteus medius muscle, rectus femoris muscle, and vastus lateralis muscle were also measured by electromyography before and after the intervention. Electromyography of muscles around the pelvis was performed and functional tests were conducted. [Results] The flexibility and strength of the muscles significantly increased post-intervention. Functional test scores for the forward reaching test and straight leg raising test significantly improved in the Belly-bike group. [Conclusion] The results show that exercise using the Belly-bike could be effective in reducing lower back pain.