Do Pilates And Home-exercises Improve Balance And Kinesiophobia Of Individuals With Low Back Pain?

Abstract

Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) is the main cause of years lived with disability, and can be associated with strength deficits and postural instability. Pilates exercises are deemed to be useful in the management of CNLBP and improvement of outcomes such as flexibility and postural control, though evidence is controversial. PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of Pilates and home-exercises on kinesiophobia and postural balance. METHOD: Randomized controlled trial with blind assessor and concealed allocation. Thirty-one participants of both sexes, with CNLBP for at least 12 weeks were randomly assigned to Pilates (PT; n=16) or Home-Exercise (HE; n=15) groups. PT group was composed by sessions of fifty-minutes (seven to ten exercises; two sets of 8 to 12 repetitions). The HE was prescribed to the participants (characterized by general exercises - postural, muscle stretching and strengthening) within a booklet, and they were instructed to exercise 2 times/week, weekly monitored by text messaging. The intervention lasted 6 weeks (two times/week). Outcomes were assessed on baseline, post-intervention and after 4-months follow-up. Kinesiophobia was measured by the Tampa Scale. The score ranges from 17 to 68 (higher scores meaning a worse fear of moving). Balance was measured by the limits of stability (challenge to move and control the center of gravity within the base of support). A linear mixed-model was used to analyze the global effect over time and separate effects at baseline, post-intervention and follow-up. Significance was set at 5%. Dropouts were included by multiple imputation. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between PT vs HE (global effects). Likewise, no separate effects were found for balance and kinesiophobia. CONCLUSION: An intervention of Pilates and home-exercises did not improve the balance and kinesiophobia.Table: Effects of PT (Pilates) and HE (Home Exercises)