Efficacy Of Pilates Exercises In The Treatment Of Chronic Low Back Pain

"The purpose of this research was to investigate the efficacy of Pilates exercises as a therapeutic intervention in treatment of low back pain (LBP). Pilates exercises have been integrated into many rehabilitation programs for those with LBP; however, no clinical research was found that supports its efficacy. Twelve subjects who presented for physical therapy with LBP, were randomly assigned to either the traditional lumbar stabilization exercise group (A, n=6) or the Pilates exercise group (B, n=6) and completed participation in the study. The mean age for group A was 30.33 (SD 12.40) for group B was 36.00 (SD 11.43) P=0.430, and the percent with LBP over 3 months (chronic) was 83.3% in group A and 66.7% in group B. Outcome measures used were the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Revised Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), lumbar spine active range of motion (AROM), and measures of core stability on the Stability Platform (LaFayette Instrument Co), taken at pre-treatment, every fourth visit and at discharge from physical therapy. Repeated measures ANOVAs were performed for measures of VAS, ODI and AROM for (pre, 4th and post treatments) and measures of core stability (pre and post treatments). All subjects progressed significantly in measures of pain (P=0.004), function (P=0.004), and stability measures of center balance time (P=0.013) and deviations to the right (P=0.004). The measures of AROM and left deviations on the Stability Platform did not change significantly over time. There were no significant differences in any of the outcome measures between the groups over time. Subjects participating in Pilates exercises as provided as part of physical therapy treatment for LBP under the guidance of a physical therapist and Stott trained clinicians improved in measures of pain, function, and core stability equal to that of those performing traditional lumbar stabilization exercises as typically provided in rehabilitation for LBP. Given that there have been no clinical studies performed assessing the benefits suggested from performing Pilates exercises, this study provides a legitimate and safe basis for inclusion of Pilates exercises, taught and progressed by appropriately trained clinicians, as therapeutic exercise intervention with patients who have LBP." -- Abstract.

Accessible to all health care professionals, this text provides a guide to understanding and managing back pain and is one of the premier examples of a biopsychosocial approach to medicine. The content challenges unsubstantiated beliefs regarding the best way to treat and manage back pain and presents an interdisciplinary debate on the subject. In a society where patients are demanding more effective approaches to their problems, this resource offers a radical rethink, a necessary step to achieving a more effective method of treatment. The unorthodox spirit of this material places this book at the center of the revolution taking place in the back pain area. Gordon Waddell is the world authority on the topic of the back pain revolution. The content addresses huge problems of concern to many disciplines and governments. The unbiased, open-minded view looks at the issues and the evidence and invites the readers to consider, debate, and agree on the best course of action. Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the problem offers both interventionist and conservative approaches to treatment, psychosocial issues, economic factors, patient education, and prevention. A new chapter on Occupational Health Guidelines keeps the reader up-to-date. New information allows the book to expand on the insights of the previous edition, which was considered a classic text. More social and work-related research and material provides information on these important issues. Updated guidelines and references make this resource one of the best for current practice. The new illustrations, graphs, tables, and education handouts present Waddell's theory in a fresh, new way that aids in the reader's understanding.

The Pilates® method may be today's hottest exercise, but it has been endorsed by physicians for almost a century. Originally developed by Joseph H. Pilates to help strengthen and condition muscles, Pilates is the ultimate mind-body exercise for anyone who wants to tone, streamline, and realign their body without the bulked-up results of more conventional workout methods. Now, in The Pilates® Body, author Brooke Siler--one of the most sought-after personal trainers in the country and owner of New York's top studio for Pilates training, re:AB--provides a complete, easy-to follow program of Pilates exercises that can be done anywhere, anytime, and without machines. With step-by-step instructions, Siler guides the reader through the complete circuit of mat exercises, each of which is clearly illustrated by photographs, line drawings, and unique visualization exercises. With Pilates you will not only streamline your figure--you will dramatically improve your posture, flexibility, and balance, and enhance your physical and emotional well-being. The Pilates Body shows you how.

Recently, the popularity of Pilates has increased with both the general public and clinicians utilising therapeutic approaches developed from the Pilates method. The claimed benefits of Pilates include strengthening the 'core' musculature, decreasing low back pain, improving flexibility, and improved posture. To date there have been few studies undertaken to investigate the merit of these claims ... Conclusion: These findings indicate that Pilates exercise is an effective treatment option in improving functional disability and decreasing pain and troublesomeness in adults with chronic non-specific low back pain. Further research should include comparing Pilates exercise with other interventions; and also compare the efficacy of group classes to more individualised one-on-one sessions with a instructor. The ideal frequency of classes and duration of trial period has yet to be determined, future research should also include an intervention over longer duration and longer term follow up periods.

This second edition of 'Low Back Disorders' provides research information on low back problems and shows readers how to interpret the data for clinical applications.

The area of rehabilitation research for patients having persistent pain is on the move. The rapid growth in pain science has inspired rehabilitation clinicians and researchers around the globe. This has led to breakthrough research and implementation of modern pain science in rehabilitation settings around the world. Still, our understanding of persistent pain continues to grow, not in the least because of fascinating discoveries from areas such as psychoneuroimmunology, exercise physiology, clinical psychology and nutritional (neuro)biology. This offers unique opportunities to further improve rehabilitation for patients with chronic pain across the lifespan. Also, the diversity of health care disciplines involved in the rehabilitation of chronic pain (e.g. physicians, psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, coaches) provides a framework for upgrading rehabilitation for chronic pain towards comprehensive lifestyle approaches.