Effectiveness of Pilates method in the treatment of nonspecific chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Low back pain is a major health and socioeconomic problem. Exercises and patient education are among the possible positive strategies for the treatment of non-specific chronic low back pain. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Pilates Method and the "Back School" program in the treatment of non-specific chronic low back pain. Study design: randomized controlled trial with blinded assessor. Participants: Eighty-four individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain. Interventions: Participants were randomly allocated in two groups: Pilates Group (n = 43) and Control Group - “Back School” (n = 41). The primary outcomes were: pain (Numerical Rating Scale), quality of life (SF-36) and disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire - RMDQ). Secondary outcomes were: flexibility (3rd fingertip-to-floor test) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index - PSQI). Results: The Pilates Group was superior to the Control Group (p < 0.05) in pain, disability, flexibility and in five domains of SF-36 (physical functioning, physical aspects, pain, vitality and general health). There was no significant difference between groups for sleep quality. Conclusion: Pilates exercises Method provided significant improvements and can be considered an option for the treatment of non-specific chronic low back pain. The Pilates Group was superior to the "Back School" program in pain reduction, improving functional capacity, flexibility and in five domains of quality of life. Due to the considerable low adhesion on treatments, alternatives to improve adherence should be proposed in future studies.