Effect of 6-week Pilates exercises on low back pain, abdominal and back muscle endurance in patients with chronic low back pain due to disc herniation

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Pilates exercises on low back pain and abdominal and back muscle endurance in patients with chronic low back pain caused by disc herniation. For this purpose, 30 male and female patients with chronic low back pain due to disc herniation (age =51.28 ± 5.16) were divided into experimental and control groups (n=15). The experimental group underwent 6-week Pilates exercises; whereas the control group received conventional treatment at the same time. Analysis of covariance test was used to analyze the data. VAS scale, trunk flexion endurance test, and modified Biering-Sorenson test were used to assess variables, abdominal muscle endurance and back muscle endurance, respectively. Results showed that 6-week Pilates exercises caused a significantly low back pain reduction (p=0.001) and a significant increase in abdominal muscle endurance (p=0.001) and back muscles endurance (p=0.001) in the experimental group compared to the control group. According to the findings of the study, Pilates exercises were effective in improving low back pain, abdominal and back muscle endurance in patients with chronic low back pain caused by disc herniation. Hence, cautious prescription of Pilates exercises for these patients would be beneficial.