Comparison of the effectiveness of therapeutic back exercises versus Pilates exercises in patients with chronic low back pain: clinical trial in hospital practice

Abstract

Introduction: This clinical trial compared the effectiveness of therapeutic back exercises and Pilates exercises in improving disability in patients with chronic low back pain. Method: A controlled and randomized study was carried out at the Henares University Hospital with 53 patients divided into two groups: Pilates (n=27) and back exercises (n=26). The treatments were carried out for 12 weeks, with three 60-minute sessions per week. The Oswestry Disability Index was used to evaluate the results. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements. The Pilates group reduced the Index by 9.25 points on average, while the back exercise group reduced it by 5.88 points. Although there were no significant differences (p=0.284), 75% of Pilates patients improved ≥6 points, compared to 54.17% in the back group. A notable improvement (≥8 points) was observed in 62.50% of the Pilates group, compared to 25% in the back group. The study used a linear regression equation and the ROC method to determine that a mean reduction in the initial Oswestry Disability Index score by 21% (equivalent to a mean reduction of 8.74 points) represented the threshold for a "satisfactory" outcome. "after three months. Discussion and conclusions: Both treatments were effective in improving functionality in patients with chronic low back pain, without significant differences between them. However, Pilates showed a greater proportion of significant clinical improvements. The importance of personalizing exercise programs and complementing them with hip and leg strengthening and mobility exercises to optimize results was highlighted.