Ffects of Pilates on low back pain and urine catecholamine

PURPOSE: The popularity of the Pilates method created by Joseph H. Pilates in the early 1920s has increased worldwide in the last decade, confirming the fact that Pilates is much more than a fitness fad. According to a survey conducted by American Sports Data Inc, more than 10.5 million Americans participated in a Pilate's class in 2004. The aim of this study was to determine effectiveness of Pilate's protocol in decreasing of low back pain and urine catecholamine levels. METHODS: Twenty athletes. Recruited for the study were between the ages of 22 and 25 years old, with a mean age of 24 years. Divided into two groups, experimental group consisted of (10) athletes. Control group consisted of (10) athletes. All two groups had chronic low back pain. Pilate's exercises were eight-week period for experimental group.4 days weekly. RESULTS: The experimental group showed improvement increase in lumbar spine flexion and extension but not significant between the pre and Post measurement. Significant differences between two groups in the urine catecholamine levels. CONCLUSIONS: Urine catecholamine can be used an indicator to sports injury.