Comparison of low back mobility and stability exercises from Pilates in non-specific low back pain: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives: Compare the effects of the low back mobility and stability exercises from Pilates Method on low back pain, disability and movement functionality in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. Methods: 28 participants were randomized into two exercise protocol from Pilates methods, one focusing on low back stability and other on low back mobility. Low back pain (visual analogic scale), low back disability (Oswestry) and movement functionality (7 functional movement tasks) were evaluated before and after 10 sessions of Pilates exercise by the same trained assessor. A mixed designed ANOVA with two factors was used. Results: The results of the study showed that there was a significant improvement to the pain, disability and movement functionality after the intervention regardless the group and it wasn’t found significant interaction. Conclusions: Regardless the exercise protocols both improved all outcomes for individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. Also, there is no difference between focus on mobility or stability in the application of Pilates exercises for those outcomes therefore, the indication of one exercise protocol or another may fall within the preference of the instructor or practitioner/patient.