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Disability and Rehabilitation Volume 46, 2024 - Issue 16
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Effectiveness of Pilates exercise on low back pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Antonino Pattia Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, ItalyView further author information
,
Jane S. Thorntonb Western Centre for Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Western Ontario Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, ON, CanadaView further author information
,
Valerio Giustinoa Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, ItalyCorrespondence[email protected]
ORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-4575-8021View further author information
ORCID Icon,
Patrik Dridc Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, SerbiaView further author information
,
Antonio Paolid Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, ItalyView further author information
,
Jenna M. Schulze School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada;f Bone and Joint Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, CanadaView further author information
,
Antonio Palmaa Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy;g Regional Sports School of Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) Sicilia, Palermo, ItalyView further author information
&
Antonino Biancoa Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, ItalyView further author information
 show all
Pages 3535-3548 | Received 10 Mar 2023, Accepted 18 Aug 2023, Published online: 26 Aug 2023
 
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Abstract

Purpose

Low back pain is the most frequently reported musculoskeletal disorder and represents one of the highest patient burdens in healthcare. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Pilates exercise on pain intensity and functional disability caused by low back pain (LBP).

Materials and methods

A Systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted. Data sources: MEDLINE-NLM and MEDLINE-EBSCO. We also searched on Scopus Elsevier, Cochrane, DOAJ, SciELO, PEDro, and PLOS ONE databases. Eligibility criteria: randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating LBP in which the primary treatment was based on Pilates exercise compared with no exercise, or non-specific exercise.

Results

The search returned 1566 records of which 36 articles were included in the systematic review and 19 in the meta-analysis. Twenty-two studies compared the effects of Pilates exercise vs no exercise and 13 studies examined the effects of Pilates exercise vs non-specific exercise. Analysis showed that Pilates had a positive effect on the perception of LBP vs no exercise. A similar trend occurred with non-specific exercise.

Conclusions

Pilates exercise can decrease LBP compared to no exercise and non-specific exercise. General practitioners should consider Pilates exercise as an effective strategy to manage LBP and counteract the growing health.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022308387.

    IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

  • Pilates is a good strategy for improving low back pain and is more effective than other exercise programs or no exercise.

  • Pilates is a safe tool to apply to most of the population with low back pain.

  • Pilates is a non-pharmacological strategy useful for counteracting low back pain.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The datasets generated during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

The publication was made with the co-financing of the European Union - FESR o FSE, PON Research and Innovation 2014-2020 - DM 1062/2021.

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