The effects of Pilates on pain, functionality, quality of life, flexibility and endurance in lumbar disc herniation.

Abstract

Aim: To assess the effects of clinical Pilates exercises (CPE)on the level of pain, functional status, flexibility, static and dynamic endurance of the trunk muscles and quality of life(QoL)in patients with lumbar disc herniation. Materials & methods: Individuals were divided into twogroups: the CPE (6weeks, three-times a week) group (n=27) and the control group (n=27). The clinical outcome measures were the visual analog scale for the evaluation of the pain intensity, Oswestry disability index for functional disability, short form-36for healthrelated QoL, sit and reach and hand finger floor distance test for the flexibility, side-bridge and sit-ups test for the static and dynamic endurance. Results: At the end of the 6weeks the amount of decrease in the level of pain and Oswestry disability index, amount of increase in sit-reach test and hand-finger-to-floor distance, duration of the lateral bridge and sits-ups testand most of the shortform-36 subparameters was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the CPEgroup. Conclusion:CPEwas an effective and safe method for symptomatic patients with lumbar disc herniation in reducing the pain level and functional disability and improving flexibility, static and dynamic endurance and partially their QoL. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03198273 (ClinicalTrials.gov).