Effects of a tailored mat-Pilates exercise program for older adults on pain, functioning, and balance in women with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Mat-Pilates exercise is effective for chronic non-specific low back pain (NSLBP), but its application in older women is understudied.

Aim: To examine the effects of a 10-week mat-Pilates program on pain, disability, and balance in older women with chronic NSLBP.

Methods: Sixty-three women (≥ 65 years) with chronic NSLBP were randomly assigned to intervention (IG) or control (CG) groups. IG received individualized mat-Pilates sessions (45 min, twice weekly), while CG followed a home-based general exercise program. Primary outcomes included visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), timed up-and-go (TUG), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) at baseline, 10 weeks, and 6 months post-intervention. Repeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used, adjusted for exercise adherence and analgesic use.

Results: IG significantly improved in VAS and RMDQ scores at 10 weeks and 6 months (p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in TUG and BBS scores at any measurement point. No between-group differences were found in analgesic use or adherence to exercise during the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions: A 10-week mat-Pilates program reduced pain and improved disability in older women with chronic NSLBP, effects which persisted at 6 months. However, no impact on balance, analgesic use, or exercise adherence was observed.

Trial registration number/date of registration: NCT04752579/February 12, 2021.

Keywords: Chronic low back pain; Mat-Pilates exercises; Older women; Physical therapy; Rehabilitation.