Efficacy of Pilates on Pain, Functional Disorders and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Benefits and harms of exercise therapy and physical activity for low back pain: An umbrella review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this umbrella review is to synthesize the evidence from systematic reviews on the benefits and harms of exercise therapy and physical activity (PA) for the secondary prevention and management of low back pain (LBP).

METHODS

An umbrella review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise therapy and PA in the management and secondary prevention of LBP. A systematic search was performed in Medline via Ovid, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), including reference lists of relevant reviews, covering studies published between January 2010 and May 20, 2024. Eligible studies were systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials and observational studies, with or without meta-analyses. The primary outcome for secondary prevention was LBP recurrence, while for management, primary outcomes included pain intensity and disability, with adverse events as secondary outcomes. Data were extracted across immediate, short-term, intermediate, and long-term follow-up periods. The GRADE framework was used to assess the certainty of evidence, and the AMSTAR tool was applied by 2 independent reviewers (JC, QL, and/or DXMW) to evaluate the quality of the included reviews. The study was prospectively registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) (registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/9P).

RESULTS

A total of 70 systematic reviews were included, 43 with meta-analyses, 7 with network meta-analyses, and 20 without meta-analyses. Six (out of 10) reviews with meta-analyses for secondary prevention indicated a small benefit from general exercises and leisure-time PA (low-to-moderate certainty). For LBP management, 35 (out of 36) reviews reported that exercise therapies such as Pilates, motor control, mixed exercise, Tai Chi, water-based exercises, and yoga showed small beneficial effects on pain and disability compared to minimal intervention mainly in the short-term (low-to-moderate certainty). Seven network meta-analyses favored motor control and Pilates over other forms of exercise to reduce pain (low certainty). Adverse events were reported in less than 31% of the reviews, predominantly involving post-exercise soreness and temporary increases in pain, mainly in yoga-related studies. Adverse events were considered minor, and no serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

There is low-to-moderate certainty that exercise therapy and leisure-time PA are beneficial for improving pain and preventing the recurrence of LBP. However, evidence on the potential harms of these interventions is limited, and adverse events related to exercise and PA remain under-investigated.

Impact of tele-exercise on quality of life, physical fitness, functional capacity and strength in different adult populations: a systematic review of clinical trials

Introduction

This study aimed to review the impact of tele-exercise on different adult populations, comparing synchronous and asynchronous interventions and their effects on outcomes such as quality of life, physical fitness, functional capacity, strength, and pain.

Methods

Randomised clinical trials and quasi-experimental studies published between 2014 and 2024 were included, totalling 16 studies with 1,416 participants. The interventions varied between synchronous teleexercise (via videoconference) and asynchronous (via apps and recorded videos). The review followed the PRISMA guidelines, ensuring a systematic approach to study selection, data extraction, and bias assessment.

Results

The results indicate that tele-exercise, especially synchronous, has the potential to primarily improve physical fitness, functional capacity, and pain perception, being effective for the elderly and individuals with specific conditions such as multiple sclerosis and obesity.

Discussion

However, the methodological heterogeneity of the studies and the lack of consistent data limit the generalisation of the findings, highlighting the need for more high-quality research.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024563241, PROSPERO (CRD42024563241).

Effectiveness rehabilitative therapy and Pridinol Mesylate in low back pain

Background

Spondylarthritis is a degenerative disease involving the intervertebral disc, vertebral bodies, and adjacent soft tissues. Treatment aims to slow disease progression and manage symptoms through an interdisciplinary approach. It can be conservative and rarely chirurgic.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a rehabilitation combined with Pridinol Mesylate in the treatment of Spondylarthritis in elderly patients in terms of pain resolution, improving disability, and quality of life.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective study on patients with Spondylarthritis. The patients recruited (n = 86) were divided into three groups: the Combined Group (CG:28), who received a rehabilitation combined with Pridinol Mesylate (16 women and 12 men, age 66.4 ± 3.99); the Rehabilitation Group (RG, n = 26), who received only rehabilitation (14 women and 12 men, age 66.2 ± 3.84); and the Drug Group (DG: 32), who received only the administration of the Pridinol(18 women and 14 men, age of 66.3 ± 3.9).

Results

The results show, at T1 (20 days after treatment) in the CG, statistically significant improvements for the NRS and QBPDS. In the RG, statistically significant improvements were observed only for the QBPDS scale. In the DG group, only pain improvement. At T2 (90 days after treatment), the CG showed improvements in NRS, QBPDS, and (SF-36). The RG and DG showed improvements for NRS and for QBPDS. By Bonferroni method, obtained statistically significant values for CG versus RG and for CG versus DG. No statistical significance was found between RG versus DG.

Conclusion

Targeted rehabilitation treatment, combined with Pridinol Mesylate, reduced pain and improved disability in lumbar Spondylarthritis both in the short and medium term, with improved quality of life in elderly patients.

Back pain exercise therapy remodels human epigenetic profiles in buccal and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: an exploratory study in young male participants

Background

With its high and increasing lifetime prevalence, back pain represents a contemporary challenge for patients and healthcare providers. Monitored exercise therapy is a commonly prescribed treatment to relieve pain and functional limitations. However, the benefits of exercise are often gradual, subtle, and evaluated by subjective self-reported scores. Back pain pathogenesis is interlinked with epigenetically mediated processes that modify gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Therefore, we hypothesize that therapy effects can be objectively evaluated by measurable epigenetic histone posttranslational modifications and proteome expression. Because epigenetic modifications are dynamic and responsive to environmental exposure, lifestyle choices-such as physical activity-can alter epigenetic profiles, subsequent gene expression, and health traits. Instead of invasive sampling (e.g., muscle biopsy), we collect easily accessible buccal swabs and plasma. The plasma proteome provides a systemic understanding of a person's current health state and is an ideal snapshot of downstream, epigenetically regulated, changes upon therapy. This study investigates how molecular profiles evolve in response to standardized sport therapy and non-controlled lifestyle choices.

Results

We report that the therapy improves agility, attenuates back pain, and triggers healthier habits. We find that a subset of participants' histone methylation and acetylation profiles cluster samples according to their therapy status, before or after therapy. Integrating epigenetic reprogramming of both buccal cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) reveals that these concomitant changes are concordant with higher levels of self-rated back pain improvement and agility gain. Additionally, epigenetic changes correlate with changes in immune response plasma factors, reflecting their comparable ability to rate therapy effects at the molecular level. We also performed an exploratory analysis to confirm the usability of molecular profiles in (1) mapping lifestyle choices and (2) evaluating the distance of a given participant to an optimal health state.

Conclusion

This pre-post cohort study highlights the potential of integrated molecular profiles to score therapy efficiency. Our findings reflect the complex interplay of an individual's background and lifestyle upon therapeutic exposure. Future studies are needed to provide mechanistic insights into back pain pathogenesis and lifestyle-based epigenetic reprogramming upon sport therapy intervention to maintain therapeutic effects in the long run.

The effects of an 8-week dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercise on pain, functional disability, and quality of life in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain: a randomized clinical trial with a two-month follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Low back pain (LBP) is a common disorder and is considered one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, resulting in adverse health, social, and economic outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the effects and durability of 8-week Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) exercises on pain, functional disability, and quality of life in individuals aged 30 to 50 years with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP).

METHODS

This research employed a pre- and post-test design with a follow-up period, in which 29 participants (16 in the control group and 13 in the exercise group) remained until the end of the study. Pain intensity, functional disability, and quality of life were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index, and the SF-36 questionnaire, respectively, before intervention, immediately after, and two months post-intervention. The control group continued their routine daily activities, while the exercise group performed DNS exercises three times a week for 8 weeks. The data was analyzed using a mixed-design ANOVA (P ≤ 0.05).

RESULTS

The results showed improvements in pain (F (2,24) = 5.31, P = 0.01, η2 = 0.31), functional disability (F (2,24) = 4.17, P = 0.03, η2 = 0.26), and quality of life (F (2,24) = 4.70, P = 0.02, η2 = 0.28) in the exercise group at the Post-test compared to the Pre-test. However, the durability of the exercise effects at the follow-up assessment was not sustainable compared to the Post-test and Pre-test (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

An 8-week period of DNS exercises can improve pain, functional disability, and quality of life in individuals with NSCLBP. However, a 2-month period of detraining can reduce the positive outcomes of these exercises.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The researchers retrospectively registered this trial on 21/04/2024, with the identifier IRCT20240107060646N1 in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) at the following address: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir .

Effects of a Mat Pilates Exercise Program Associated with Photobiomodulation Therapy in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of combining a Pilates program with photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP).

METHODS

Thirty-eight adults with CNLBP were randomly assigned to two groups: Pilates exercise + active PBMT (PIL + PBMT) or Pilates exercise + sham PBMT (PIL + SHAM). Both groups performed an 8-week mat Pilates program and received PBMT on their lumbar muscles 10 min before and after each session. The following variables were assessed before and after intervention: peak pain intensity, postural balance (i.e., center of the pressure [A-COP], velocity anteroposterior [Vel AP], and velocity mediolateral [Vel ML]), perceived disability (i.e., Oswestry Disability Index [ODI] and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire [RMDQ]), and pain-related fear of movement (i.e., Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia [TSK], Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire [FABQ], and Pain Catastrophizing Scale [PCS]).

RESULTS

Postural balance variables showed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) across time or between groups. The groups showed similar (p < 0.05) reductions in peak pain intensity, ODI, RMDQ, and PCS scores, but no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in TSK and FABQ scores.

CONCLUSION

The mat Pilates program reduced peak pain intensity, perceived disability, and pain catastrophizing in adults with CNLBP, but PBMT had no additional effect on these variables. Mat Pilates alone or combined with PBMT was not able to improve postural balance.

The effect of pelvic clock exercises on pain reduction and lumbopelvic proprioception in middle-aged women with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP)

INTRODUCTION

Low-back pain (LBP) is one of the most common causes of disability in adults. There are many non-invasive interventions to improve this condition, of which the use of exercise therapy is one of the most widely used. But there is contradictory evidence regarding the effectiveness of different types of exercise methods. Therefore, the current research aimed to investigate the effect of pelvic clock exercises on pain reduction and lumbopelvic proprioception in women with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a quasi-experimental study with a controlled pre-test-post-test design. The study population included middle-aged women with CNSLBP with an age range of 35-50 years. A total of 30 eligible middle-aged women with CNSLBP were selected using purposive and convenience sampling. The pelvic clock exercise was carried out by the researcher in a gym for eight 45- min sessions each week (three sessions each week). A visual analog scale (VAS) and goniometer were used to measure pain and lumbopelvic proprioception, respectively. However, the control group only participated in the pre-test and post-test stages. For intra-group and inter-group comparisons, paired t-test and independent t-test were used at P < 0.05, respectively.

RESULTS

The results showed that eight-week pelvic clock exercises had an effect on decreased pain and increase lumbopelvic proprioception in middle-aged women with CNSLBP, but no effect was observed in the control group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

According to the results of the present study, pelvic clock exercises should be used as a new and practical method to reduce pain and improve lumbopelvic proprioception in middle-aged women with CNSLBP.

Isometric vs Isotonic Core Stabilization Exercises to Improve Pain and Disability in Patients with Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a prevalent condition that affects 90% of individuals experiencing low back pain. Core stabilization exercises (CSE) stand out as the most commonly employed therapeutic approach for managing NSCLBP. Nevertheless, there remains uncertainty regarding the superior effectiveness between isometric (ISOM) and isotonic (ISOT) types of CSE in the treatment of NSCLBP.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of ISOM and ISOT exercises concerning pain and disability in patients with NSCLBP. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the effectiveness of both ISOM and ISOT in comparison to no intervention concerning these variables in these patients.

Methods

This study was a randomized controlled trial that involved 41 men and women experiencing NSCLBP. Participants were randomly allocated to three groups: ISOM CSE (n = 13), ISOT CSE (n = 14), and a waitlist control (n = 14). The exercise training was administered for 40 - 60 minutes three times a week over a period of up to 8 weeks. Pain (assessed using the Visual Analog Scale or VAS) and disability (evaluated through the Oswestry Disability Index or ODI) variables were measured before and after the interventions.

Results

Based on the results, there was no significant difference between the 2 exercise groups (ISOM and ISOT) regarding pain and disability. However, the ISOM group demonstrated numerically better results than the ISOT group. Both the ISOM and ISOT groups exhibited a significant decrease in pain levels, with the VAS score decreasing from 5.5 to 2.7 for ISOM and from 5.8 to 3.7 for ISOT, as compared to the control group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Additionally, the average disability showed a significant improvement in both the ISOM (ODI score from 17 to 11) and ISOT (ODI score from 15.4 to 11) groups compared to the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Both ISOM and ISOT methods are effective in alleviating pain and disability in patients with NSCLBP. However, there is no significant difference in the benefits between them. Numerically, ISOM exercises were found to be superior. Further studies are needed to obtain a more accurate answer regarding their superiority.

Unlocking the Potential: Increasing Muscle Strength in Lower Limbs of Youth Soccer Players over Five Weeks through Mat Pilates Training-A Pilot Study

The interest in soccer generally starts during childhood, with children and young people often looking for opportunities in sports. New exercise techniques can be effective in improving training. The aim of this study was to compare the effects on the strength and physical posture of a group practicing Pilates with another not practicing Pilates, both undergoing continuous football training. In this controlled randomized clinical trial, the participants were 15 soccer club members, who had a training frequency of least three times weekly. The sample was divided into a control group (n = 7) of players who did not undergo any therapeutic intervention (only the usual training) and a Pilates group (n = 8) of players who participated in the mat Pilates program. The intervention consisted of fifteen sessions. Postural evaluations were performed using biophotogrammetry and force analysis. Significant improvements were obtained in terms of increased muscle strength (p = 0.001) for the Pilates group, but there were no significant postural alterations when comparing the two groups. Five weeks of mat Pilates was sufficient to increase lower limb muscle strength in young football players. This pilot study indicates that Mat Pilates as a method that could be planned to be included in training.

Influence of the pilates method on postural balance parameters in older women: An exploratory single-arm trial

BACKGROUND

Human aging is a natural, biological, progressive, dynamic and complex process that involves morphological, physiological and social changes. Alterations such as decreased postural balance increase the risk of falls and exercise has shown benefits. One of the possible exercise modalities for this population is Pilates.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of Pilates on parameters of static and dynamic postural balance in older women.

METHODS

Women aged 60 years or over were evaluated at three time points (pre-training, mid-training, and post-training). Postural balance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and a force platform. The Pilates exercise protocol consisted of 16 sessions, twice a week, lasting 50 min each. Normality of the data was determined by the Shapiro-Wilk test. Repeated measures ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test was used for comparison between assessments. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

Fourteen older women were included. Assessment on the force platform revealed no significant differences for most of the variables evaluated. There was a significant difference in SPPB scores and TUG times pre- and post-treatment (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Pilates training significantly improved dynamic postural balance evaluated by the TUG and SPPB but did not significantly improve static balance evaluated by the force platform, although the values have decreased in most assessments.

Efficacy of Self-Natural Posture Exercise (SNPE) programs on chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled feasibility trial with waitlist control

BACKGROUND

Low back pain (LBP) is a significant source of disability and decreased quality of life. The Self-Natural Posture Exercise (SNPE) intervention can be used effectively in many cases, but feasibility and impact has not been fully explored.

OBJECTIVE

The current study explores the feasibility and efficacy of face-to-face (FtF) and virtual (Vir) SNPE programs on chronic low back pain.

METHODS

This is a randomized single-blinded waitlist control study with 10 participants in the FtF group (age 45.8 ± 2.89) and 9 in the Vir group (age 52.2 ± 2.3). Participants had low to moderate low back pain for > 3 months. Those who would eventually become the Vir group served initially as a waitlist control (Con) group. The FtF group received 12 weeks of in-person exercise training sessions conducted and the Vir group received weekly recorded training videos created by and featuring the same instructor. Measured outcomes included feasibility assessed by rate of retention and rate of attendance, level of low back pain (Oswestry Disability Index, Visual Analogue Scale), quality of life (36-Item Short Form Health Survey 1.0), muscular pressure pain threshold, and muscle tone. Analysis was done via repeated measures ANOVA and Wilcoxon tests.

RESULTS

Rates of retention were 80% in the FtF group and 78% in the Vir group. Attendance rates were 88% in the FtF group and 60% in the Vir group. ODI, VAS, and some SF-36 domains improved in both the FtF and Vir groups. Overall, the FtF group improved in more domains and by a larger degree than the Vir group and both groups improved relative to Con.

CONCLUSION

A 12-week SNPE program, done virtually or in person, shows promise in improving ODI, VAS, and some SF-36 domains. FtF appears to be more effective. Future studies would benefit from sampling a larger and more diverse population.

Fascia Tissue Manipulations in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Pragmatic Comparative Randomized Clinical Trial of the 4xT Method® and Exercise Therapy

BACKGROUND

The 4xT method is a protocolized practice in treating musculoskeletal disorders. The 4xT method consists of four components: Test (functional diagnostic test), Trigger (fascia tissue manipulations), Tape (elastic taping), and Train (exercise). There is a lack of clinical studies evaluating the treatment effects of the use of the 4xT method.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the 4xT method and exercise therapy-only in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Based on a priori sample size calculation, fifty-one individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain were randomly assigned to either the 4xT or exercise group. Both groups underwent a six-week rehabilitation program with two treatments per week. The primary outcomes were trunk flexion and extension mobility, trunk flexion, and extension mobility-dependent pain, and quality of life evaluated during a 6-week therapy period and after a 6-week therapy-off period.

RESULTS

Interaction effects were noted in all outcomes. The 4xT group showed significant improvements over time for trunk flexion and extension mobility, trunk flexion and extension mobility-dependent pain, and quality of life (p < 0.05), with no significant relapse post-therapy (except for extension mobility). The exercise group exhibited significant within-time changes in the quality of life, as measured with the VAS (p < 0.05), but not for EQ-5D-3L.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrate that the 4xT method stands out as a promising and impactful treatment option for chronic nonspecific low back pain individuals, as it demonstrated significant reductions in mobility-dependent pain, increased trunk mobility, and improved quality of life compared to exercise-only treatments.

Pilates to Improve Core Muscle Activation in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review

Low back pain is prevalent in the community and associated with deficits in core muscle strength and activation. Pilates is argued to improve movement and reduce pain, yet there is a limited understanding of the specific effects of Pilates training on core muscle strength or activity. A systematic search of databases (CINAHL, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE) used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methods to evaluate randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of Pilates to improve core muscle activation. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale (PEDro). The certainty of findings was determined using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool. Of the initial yield of 563 articles, eight RCTs met the inclusion criteria. A diverse range of Pilates interventions and outcome measures were utilised to assess effects on core muscle activation and strength. The main finding was that Pilates is not inferior to equivalently dosed exercises, and can be superior to non-equivalent or no exercise, for improving core muscle strength as indicated by muscle thickness. There was emerging evidence that Pilates positively impacts core muscle strength and can be an effective intervention for people living with chronic low back pain.