The efficacy of the addition of the Pilates method over a minimal intervention in the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain: a study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: There is little high-quality evidence on the efficacy of the Pilates-based exercises for the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to present a study protocol to investigate the efficacy of adding Pilates-based exercises to a minimum intervention in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. Methods: This randomized controlled trial will recruit 86 patients of both sexes, aged between 18 and 60 years, with chronic non-specific low back pain. The participants will be randomly allocated into 2 treatment groups: the Booklet Group, which will receive a booklet with postural orientations, and the Pilates Group, which will receive the same booklet in addition to a Pilates-based exercises program. The general and specific functional capacities of the patient, kinesiophobia, pain intensity, and the global perceived effect will be evaluated by a blinded assessor before randomization and at 6 weeks and 6 months after randomization. In addition, the expectations of the participants and their confidence in the treatment will be evaluated before the randomization and after the first treatment session, respectively. Conclusions: It is hoped that the results of this study will provide high-quality evidence on the usefulness of Pilates-based exercises in the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain.

Efeitos do método pilates no torque isocinético dos extensores e flexores do joelho: estudo piloto

“…Nestes casos, o controle de intensidade e nível do esforço, são tipicamente realizados de maneira subjetiva, pelo profissional que ministra a prática (no momento em que o executante realiza um determinado movimento, fica a cargo do profissional, identificar se o exercício está sendo realizado corretamente, ou seja, sem a existência de compensações posturais, o que possibilitaria o aumento do nível de esforço) [20][21][22] .…”

The Effect of a Pilates Exercise Programme on Perceived Functional Disability and Pain Associated with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain

“…However the most suitable method of exercise in the treatment of LBP has been widely debated [6][7][8][9][10]. Recently Pilates based exercises have been increasingly incorporated into physiotherapy rehabilitation programmes [11]. The Pilates technique focuses on the principles of centring, postural alignment, co-ordination, concentration, breathing, precision and movement sequencing [12].…”

“…Several authors have suggested that Pilates based exercise incorporates lumbar stabilisation training within dynamic and functional movement [13,[16][17]. Lumbar stabilisation in a functional context may be key to improving patient self-efficacy and reducing fear avoidance [18].…”

“…Pilates based exercise has been suggested to demonstrate positive effects for improved general function and pain reduction with some evidence to support improvements in flexibility and enhanced muscle endurance [28] and as such may offer an alternative cost effective method in the management of LBP [29]. Increasingly therapists in Australia and the United States are using Pilates as an intervention in the management of chronic LBP [12] despite minimal scientific evidence to support the technique [11,14]. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a 6-week Pilates based exercise programme on perceived functional disability, pain, local muscular endurance and lumbar range of motion associated with non-specific chronic low back pain.…”

Analysis of lower limb force in foot work exercise of Pilates

“…The popularity of Pilates has stimulated the development of studies investigating its effectiveness, evaluating the effects of training programs on different parameters such as muscle strength and muscle endurance (1,2), lexibility (3,4), decreased pain (5,6), joint function restoration (5, 7) among others. Given the positive results, the method has been increasingly indicated and used in training and orthopedic rehabilitation programs, with emphasis on the rehabilitation of lower limbs (7,8).…”