Affiliations: [a] Laboratory of Neuromechanics, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece | [b] Laboratory of Social Research on Physical Activity, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece | [c] Laboratory of Exercise Psychology and Quality of Life, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Greece
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pilates programs are widely used as a form of regular
exercise in a broad range of populations investigating their effectiveness
for chronic low back pain (CLBP) treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a
Pilates program and a trunk strengthening exercise program on functional
disability and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in women with
nonspecific CLBP. METHODS: A total of 101 volunteer women with CLBP provided data
with a 3-month follow-up. They were randomized to either a Pilates (n= 37),
trunk strengthening exercise (n= 36) or a control group (n= 28), exercising
for a period of 8 weeks, three times a week. Data were collected on HRQOL
using the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36v2), and functional disability
using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire prior to program
initiation, mid-intervention, immediately after program termination, and
three months post-intervention. RESULTS: The Pilates participants reported greater improvements on
self-reported functional disability and HRQOL compared with participants in
the trunk strengthening exercise and control groups (p < 0.05). The effects
were retained for a period of three months after program termination for the
Pilates group and to a lesser extent for the trunk strengthening exercise group. CONCLUSIONS: An 8-week Pilates program improved HRQOL and reduced
functional disability more than either a trunk strengthening exercise
program or controls among women with CLBP.
