Effects of a tailored mat-Pilates exercise program for older adults on pain, functioning, and balance in women with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Mat-Pilates exercise is effective for chronic non-specific low back pain (NSLBP), but its application in older women is understudied. To examine the effects of a 10-week mat-Pilates program on pain, disability, and balance in older women with chronic NSLBP. Sixty-three women (≥ 65years) with chronic NSLBP were randomly assigned to intervention (IG) or control (CG) groups. IG received individualized mat-Pilates sessions (45min, twice weekly), while CG followed a home-based general exercise program. Primary outcomes included visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), timed up-and-go (TUG), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) at baseline, 10weeks, and 6months post-intervention. Repeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used, adjusted for exercise adherence and analgesic use. IG significantly improved in VAS and RMDQ scores at 10weeks and 6 months (p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in TUG and BBS scores at any measurement point. No between-group differences were found in analgesic use or adherence to exercise during the 6-month follow-up. A 10-week mat-Pilates program reduced pain and improved disability in older women with chronic NSLBP, effects which persisted at 6 months. However, no impact on balance, analgesic use, or exercise adherence was observed. NCT04752579/February 12, 2021.