Effectiveness of a clinical pilates program in women with chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial

Aim: The aim of this study was to show the effects of clinical Pilates program in women with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP). Material and Methods: Forty volunteer women aged 30-45 years with CNLBP for three months were included in this study. They were randomized to either a Pilates (n= 20) or a home exercise group (n= 20). Both groups participated in a 2-hour back-school education program. Pain intensity, muscle strength, pulmonary function, balance ability, and disability level were measured before and after the program (eight weeks). Participants in the Pilates program attended an 8-week Pilates regime (3 times in a week, for 45 min) supervised by an experienced physiotherapist. Home exercise group participants were advised doing a selected exercise program by a physiotherapist 3 times a week. Results: Pilates participants showed significant improvements in pain intensity, muscle strength, pulmonary function, disability level, and balance ability (p≤ 0.05). There was no superiority for trunk flexion strength and pulmonary function between clinical Pilates and home exercise groups (p>0,05). Clinical Pilates is more effective than home exercises for CNLBP in terms of pain, muscle strength, balance ability and disability level (p≤0,05). Discussion: We recommend using clinical Pilates exercises in clinics instead of the home exercise program for chronic nonspecific low back pain. The recommendation and application of clinical Pilates by physiotherapists will be beneficial in the treatment plan for patients with CNLBP more.