Efficacy of the Pilates method for pain and disability in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract

ObjectiveTo systematically review the available evidence on the efficacy of the Pilates method in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. MethodSearches were performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDro, SciELO, LILACS, CINAHL and CENTRAL in March 2013. Randomized controlled trials that tested the effectiveness of the Pilates method (against a nontreatment group, minimal intervention or other types of interventions) in adults with chronic low back pain were included regardless the language of publication. The outcome data were extracted from the eligible studies and were combined using a meta-analysis approach. ResultsThe searches identified a total of 1,545 articles. From these, eight trials were considered eligible, and seven trials were combined in the meta-analysis. The comparison groups were as follows: Pilates versus other types of exercises (n=2 trials), and Pilates versus no treatment group or minimal intervention (n=4 trials) for short term pain; Pilates versus minimal intervention for short-term disability (n=4).We determined that Pilates was not better than other types of exercises for reducing pain intensity. However, Pilates was better than a minimal intervention for reducing short-term pain and disability (pain: pooled mean difference=1.6 points; 95% CI 1.4 to 1.8; disability: pooled mean difference=5.2 points; 95% CI 4.3 to 6.1). ConclusionsPilates was better than a minimal intervention for reducing pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain. Pilates was not better than other types of exercise for short-term pain reduction.

Estudo comparativo entre os métodos Pilates no solo e Water Pilates na qualidade de vida e dor de pacientes com lombalgia

“…Poucos estudos de alta qualidade metodológica são encontrados na literatura atual, principalmente em relação ao tamanho da amostra, 18 e também em comparação as diferentes formas de aplicação do método (equipamentos, solo e água). Esse fato também pode justificar a dificuldade de padronização de um protocolo de tratamento.…”

“…Esse fato também pode justificar a dificuldade de padronização de um protocolo de tratamento. 18 Por essa razão, faz-se necessário que novas pesquisas com amostras representativas sejam realizadas, a fim de comprovar a eficácia do método Pilates no tratamento da lombagia crônica.…”

“…O Pilates tem sido frequentemente utilizado para reabilitação, principalmente no tratamento da lombalgia crônica, porém somente há comprovação dos efeitos do método a curto prazo (após a intervenção) e ainda não se pode inferir sobre os seus efeitos ao longo do tempo. 18 No estudo de Schossler et al, 19 cinco mulheres, com média de idade de 51,6 anos, portadores de lombalgia crônica realizaram dez sessões de Pilates, com duração de 45 minutos cada, com foco em fortalecimento e alongamento das cadeias anterior e posterior. Os resultados indicaram melhora significativa da dor, aumento da flexibilidade dos músculos ísquiotibiais e melhora da capacidade funcional.…”

“…10,18 Esse fato justifica a diversidade de protocolos encontrados na literatura, que dificulta a análise e comparação entre eles.…”

Effect of Pilates method and conversation circles on the health of older adults

“…There are studies on, among other topics, balance and strength (3), lexibility (4), pain (6), spinal mobility and pulmonary function (7), quality of life (8), body composition (9), functional capacity (10), and bone remodeling (10). However, most publications address the effect of the Pilates method for treating low back pain (11).…”