Feasibility of Integrating Pilates with Conventional Kinesiotherapy for Managing Chronic Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study
Shruti Mahajan1, Khushwant Singh Rathore2, Raghvendra Choubey3
1Department of Physiotherapy, National Institute of Medical Science and Research, NIMS University, Jaipur-Delhi Highway (NH-11C), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Introduction:
Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) continues to pose a significant global health burden, often leading to persistent pain and functional limitations. Although conventional kinesiotherapy is a well-established approach in managing CNSLBP, the integration of Pilates a method emphasizing core stability, controlled movements, and neuromuscular re-education may offer additional therapeutic benefits. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and preliminary clinical effects of combining Pilates-based exercises with conventional kinesiotherapy for individuals with CNSLBP.
Materials And Methods:
A single-group pre-post intervention design was employed. Thirty adults diagnosed with CNSLBP participated in an 8-week program integrating Pilates and kinesiotherapy. Feasibility metrics included recruitment rate, retention, session adherence, acceptability (participant feedback), and safety (adverse events). Clinical outcomes assessed pre- and post-intervention included pain intensity (visual analog scale), functional disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire), lumbar mobility (Modified-modified Schober's Test), and lumbo-pelvic flexibility (V-Sit and reach test).
Results:
The study achieved a high recruitment rate (85.71%) and strong retention (86.67%). Mean adherence across 24 sessions was 75.64% (standard deviation = 21.72), with no adverse events reported. Participant feedback indicated moderate-to-high acceptability (mean score: 3.77 ± 0.85). Statistically significant improvements (P < 0.0001) were observed in all clinical outcome measures, including reductions in pain and disability and enhancements in lumbar mobility and flexibility.
Conclusion:
The integration of Pilates with conventional kinesiotherapy is both feasible and safe for individuals with CNSLBP, demonstrating promising preliminary improvements in pain, function, and mobility. These findings support the need for larger-scale randomized controlled trials to further investigate the efficacy and long-term outcomes of this combined intervention approach.
