[Purpose] The present study analyzed the effect of the Togu exercise program on the
lumbar back strength of middle-aged women who did not perform regular exercise, and
presents an effective exercise method for middle-aged women with chronic low back pain
symptom. [Subjects] The subjects were 16 women with chronic low back pain attending N
University, Chungcheong-do, Korea. [Methods] Height, weight, body fat, and body mass index
(BMI) were measured using a body composition analyzer (Inbody 720, Biospace, Korea), which
utilizes bioelectrical impedance analysis. Using isokinetic lumbar muscle strength
measurement equipment [Isomed 2000, Back system, (Germany)], peak torque/body weight,
total work and average power of flexion and extension of the lumbar region were measured.
For lumbar stabilization exercises, an air cushion (Germany), jumper (Germany), and aero
step (Germany) were employed. First, warm-up exercise was conducted for 10 minutes,
followed by 10 sets of the 3 main exercises using the above tools with 10-second rest
intervals. The main exercise was done for 40 minutes in total. [Results] The paired sample
t-test showed significant in the Togu exercise group peak torque of flexion, peak torque
of extension, total work of flexion, total work of extension, average power of flexion,
average power of extension, after the exercise showed a significant difference in the Togu
exercise group. [Conclusion] The trunk muscle actiation program for middle-aged women had
a significant effect on muscle strength and low back pain. Therefore the trunk muscle
activation program is effective at increasing muscular strength of middle-aged women, and
the results suggest improve muscle strength is effectively stabilizaties the lumbar
region.