Effectiveness of different weekly frequency of modified Pilates Method in the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Low back pain is a major cause of disability and absenteeism and the supervised exercise is a recommended treatment by the guidelines and has been cost-effective. Currently, the Pilates method has shown to be effective in improving pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). However, there is still no evidence about the ideal number of sessions for the treatment and the interval between sessions to better efficacy of this method for these patients. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the Pilates method with different weekly frequency of sessions in the treatment of patients with nonspecific CLBP. We will assess 222 patients of both genders, with nonspecific CLBP lasting more than three months and between 18 and 80 years. Participants will be randomly divided into three groups (n = 74 patients per group): Group Pilates 1 will receive a program of exercises based on Pilates method once a week for six weeks, Group Pilates 2 will receive the same program of exercises twice a week for six weeks and Group Pilates 3 will receive the same program of exercises three times a week for six weeks. The outcomes overall disability (Roland Morris questionnaire), specific disability (Patient specific functional scale), kinesiophobia (Tampa scale for kinesiophobia), pain intensity (Pain numerical rating scale) and global perceived effect (Global perceived effect scale) will be assessed by a blinded assessor before, six weeks, six and 12 months after randomization. We expect the largest number of weekly sessions of Pilates method may influence the results in all analyzes (short, medium and long term), since there is a relationship between frequency of exercises and size of the treatment effect. (AU)