Effectiveness of Pilates-based exercise in reducing low back pain

Pilates Reformer One on One

Pilates is a popular system of exercise that is recommended for healthy individuals and patients with low back pain (LBP). The restoration of muscle function in lumbopelvic stability and pelvic floor muscles has been fostered by practices based on this strategy. [1]

An umbrella review (UR) of systematic reviews and narrative reviews published in 2022 seek to determine the effects of exercise on patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). [1]

Out of 71 relevant studies found on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science using the keyword (“Pilates-based exercises” OR “Pilates” AND “treatment” AND “low back pain”), 11 citations were judged high quality after screening and included in the umbrella review. [1]

Among the 11 citations, 3 were narrative reviews [2,3,4] and 8 were systematic reviews [5-12] studies. Systematic reviews were mainly conducted using primary studies from a range of countries (Australia, Italy, Cuba, Brazil, UK, Spain), while the 3 narrative reviews included primary studies from Poland, Taiwan, and Singapore. [1]

According to the published literature, the 2022 umbrella review concluded that the Pilates method exercises represent a valid tool to improve muscular strength and endurance in people with LBP in the short term. It has also shown effectiveness in reducing body fat mass and enhancing fat-free mass in the short term. In addition, it may decrease pain and movement restrictions. [1]

Although the present data highlighted the full potential and possible benefits derived by these techniques, to warrant a widespread diffusion, it would be necessary to obtain further scientific evidence by designing and implementing research studies precisely, which can confirm the Pilates method exercise beneficial effects for patients with chronic LBP.

[1]References

References marked with an asterisk indicate studies included in the umbrella review (UR).[1] Gholamalishahi S, Backhaus I, Cilindro C, Masala D, La Torre G. Pilates-based exercise in the reduction of the low back pain: an overview of reviews. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2022 Jul;26(13):4557-4563. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202207_29176. PMID: 35856344.*[2] Eliks M,Zgorzalewicz-Stachowiak M,Zeńczak-Praga K. Application of Pilates-based exercises in the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain: State of the art. Postgrad Med J 2019; 95: 41-45*[3] Lin HT, Hung WC, Hung JL, Wu PS, Liaw LJ, Chang JH. Effects of Pilates on patients with Pilates-based exercise in the reduction of the low back pain: an overview of reviews 4563 chronic non-specific low back pain: A systematic review. J Phys Ther Sci 2016; 28: 2961- 2969.*[4] Lim ECW, Poh RLC, Low AY, Wong WP. Effects of Pilates-based exercises on pain and disability in individuals with persistent nonspecific low back pain: A systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011; 41: 70-80.

*[5] La Touche R, Escalante K, Linares MT. Treating non-specific chronic low back pain through the Pilates Method. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2008; 12: 364- 370.

*[6] Wells C, Kolt GS, Marshall P, Hil B, Bialocerkowskp A. Effectiveness of Pilates exercise In treating people with chronic low back pain: a systematic review of systematic reviews. BMC Med Res Methodol 2013; 13: 7.

*[7] Patti A, Bianco A, Paoli A, Messina G, Montalto MA, Bellafiore M. Effects of Pilates exercise programs in people with chronic low back pain: A systematic review. Medicine (United States) 2015; 94: 1-9.

*[8] Wells C, Kolt GS, Marshall P, Hill B, Bialocerkowski A. The effectiveness of Pilates exercise in people with chronic low back pain: A systematic review. PLoS One 2014; 9: 16-20.

*[9] Miyamoto GC, Costa LOP, Cabral CMN. Efficacy of the Pilates method for pain and disability in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy 2013; 17: 517-532.

*[10] Pereira LM, Obara K, Dias JM, Menacho MO, Guariglia DA, Schiavoni D. Comparing the Pilates method with no exercise or lumbar stabilization for pain and functionality in patients with chronic low back pain: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil 2012; 26: 10-20.

*[11] Posadzki P, Lizis P, Hagner-Derengowska M. Pilates for low back pain: A systematic review. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2011; 17: 85-89.

*[12] Aladro-Gonzalvo AR, Araya-Vargas GA, Machado-Díaz M, Salazar-Rojas W. Pilates-based exercise for persistent, non-specific low back pain and associated functional disability: A meta-analysis with meta-regression. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2013; 17: 125-136.