The Effects of a Pilates Training Program on the Function and Pain of Patients with Disc Herniation with Lumbosciatalgia

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a pilates training program on the pain and function of patients with disc herniation with lumbosciatalgia and to compare this exercise procedure with the general protocol. For this purpose، 34 patients with disc herniation with lumbosciatalgia participated as the sample in this study and were divided into experimental (n=16) and control (n=18) groups randomly. Experimental group performed pilates exercise for 4 weeks، three sessions per week and 45 – 60 min. per session. At the same time، control group performed the general protocol for 4 weeks. The range of motion of lumbar and hip was measured with Schober and passive straight leg raising (SLR) test respectively. Pain and disability was measured with McGill and Oswestry questionnaires respectively. Independent and dependent t tests were used to analyze the data. The results showed that pilates exercise increased SLR angle and range of motion of lumbar and decreased patients'' pain and disability (P≤0. 05). It seems that pilates exercise improved pain and function of patients with disc herniation with lumbosciatalgia.