Effect of Resting in a Chair, Resting with Range of Motion Exercises, and Back Strengthening Exercises on Pain and the Flexion-relaxation Ratio of Computer Workers with Low Back Pain

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of a relaxation chair and resting with simple range of motion exercises during computer work and low back muscle strengthening exercises after computer work on pain and the flexion-relaxation (FR) ratio of one computer worker with LBP. [Subjects] The subject of this study was a 37 year-old male who complained of severe LBP pain at the L4 level. [Methods] In the study, the subject worked on a computer for 5 h each day for 3 days and followed a different program each day. [Results] In Session 1, the FR ratios before and after work were 19% and 38% (+19%), respectively. The respective VAS scores before and after work were 5 and 8 (+3). In Session 2, the FR ratios before and after work were 18% and 21% (+3%), respectively. The respective VAS scores were 5 and 6 (+1). In session 3, the FR ratios before and work were 22% and 29% (+7%), respectively, and the VAS scores were 5 and 6 (+1). [Conclusion] This study suggests that it is more effective to perform regular, passive exercises to prevent LBP in computer users.