Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of a Pilates exercise program on
disability, pain, lumbar mobility, flexibility and balance in patients with
chronic non-specific low back pain. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING:
University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 54 patients with chronic
non-specific low back pain. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomly allocated to an
experimental group ( n=27) included in a Pilates exercise program or to a control
group ( n=27) receiving information in a form of a leaflet. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and Oswestry
Disability Index), current, average and pain at it least and at its worst (Visual
Analogue Scales), lumbar mobility (modified Shober test), flexibility
(finger-to-floor test) and balance (single limb stance test) were measured at
baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS: A between-group analysis showed
significant differences in the intervention group compared to the control group
for both disability scores, the Rolland-Morris questionnaire (mean
change+/-standard deviation of 5.31+/-3.37 and 2.40+/-6.78 respectively and
between-groups mean difference of 3.2 +/- 4.12, p=0.003) and the Oswestry
Disability Index ( p<0.001), current pain ( p=0.002) and pain at it least (
p=0.033), flexibility (0.032) and balance (0.043).
CONCLUSIONS: An 8-week Pilates exercise program is effective in improving disability, pain, flexibility and
balance in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Langue : ANGLAIS