THE EFFECTS OF DEEP AQUATIC EXERCISE AND CORE STABILITY EXERCISE ON MUSCLE STRENGTH, ENDURANCE AND FLEXIBILITY IN OFFICE WORKERS WITH RISK OF LOW BACK PAIN

Abstract

Exercises are useful to treat low back pain or people who have risk of low back pain. Many exercises are available to treat low back pain such as general exercise, aquatic exercise or core stability exercise but it is not clear whether deep aquatic exercise or core stability exercise is more effective to prevent low back pain. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of deep aquatic exercise, core stability exercise and combined deep aquatic and core stability exercise on muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility and pain level. The twenty eight volunteer participants in this study were female office workers with risks of low back pain, aged between 30 – 50 years. They were divided into three groups; the deep aquatic exercise group (n = 9), the core stability exercise group (n = 10), and the combined deep aquatic exercise and core stability exercise group. Each group performed exercises 60 minutes 3 days per week for 8 weeks. Muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility and pain level were measured pre and post exercise at week 2, 4, 6 and 8. Mean differences within group were analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance with repeated measures whereas mean differences between groups were analyzed using the one - way analysis of variance.

Back and abdominal muscle strength, back and abdominal muscle endurance, back and Hamstring flexibility, and pain level were significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) within each of three experimental groups after exercise at week 2, 4, 6 and 8 compared to baseline. However, there was no significant difference in 4 variables among experimental groups. The improvement of strength and endurance of back and abdominal muscles and flexibility helps absorbing force and change on lumbar spine, hence reducing pain in people who have risk of low back pain. Therefore, these exercise programs may be suitable for health promotions and prevention of low back pain in office workers with risk factors.

(J. Sports Sci. Technol 2011; 11 (2): 211–229)

Keywords:    Risk of low back pain, deep aquatic exercise, land – based exercise, strength, endurance,

flexibility