Effects of Horse Riding Simulator on Pain, Oswestry Disability Index and Balance in Adults with Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of Horse riding simulator exercise on pain, dysfunction and dynamic balance in adults with nonspecific chronic low back pain. METHODS: In this study, total 19 college students usually complain of low back pain who were randomly divided into the horse riding simulator exercise group (n=10), lumbar strengthening exercise group (n=9) were recruited. Each group carried out for 30 minutes exercise three times a week for 4 weeks. Horse riding simulator exercise group carried out 15 minutes horse riding simulator exercise and 15 minutes lumbar strengthening exercise. Lumbar strengthening exercise group carried out 30 minutes lumbar strengthening exercise. Visual analogue scale (VAS) were measured for evaluation back pain. Korean oswestry disability index (KODI) were measured for dysfunction. Limits of stability (LOS) were measured for dynamic balance. RESULTS: VAS, KODI, LOS results showed a significant change within both horse riding simulator exercise group, lumbar strengthening exercise group. CONCLUSION: Present study suggested that the horse riding simulator exercise can improve back pain, dysfunction, dynamic balance. Horse riding simulator exercise provides more convenience, interest and motivation than conversional therapy and it could be a possible approach to adults with nonspecific chronic low back pain.