Abstract

Background: Achieving a rehabilitation program to improve lumbar-pelvic motion control and trunk muscle endurance in patients with chronic low back pain has always been a concern for researchers and therapists. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of modified Pilates exercises and general exercises on control of lumbar-pelvic motion and endurance of lower back and abdominal muscles in non-specific chronic low back pain women. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 30 women with chronic non-specific chronic low back pain were selected through random sampling and randomly (consecutively) in two groups of Pilates exercises and general exercises. Lumbar-pelvic motion control index (compression biofeedback unit), muscle tardiness (Endurance test and Sorensen test), Pain score (Visual Analogue Scale) and functional disability score (Oswestry Low Back Pain Questioneare), before and after intervention were measured. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test and Mann-Whitney Test (P<0.05). Results: In the modified Pilates exercise group the lumbar-pelvic motion control index in the BKFO showed a significant change (P = 0.004). Abs and lumbar muscles endurance and pain score showed significant change (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the variables in the intergroup comparison (P> 0.05). Conclusion: The modified Pilates exercises were effective in increasing the level of muscle tolerance, control of lumbar-pelvic motion and reducing pain and disability. So Pilates exercises can be used in rehabilitation for patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain.