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NCT Number: NCT07134309

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates in Women With Non-Specific Low Back Pain

In this study, the effects of instrumental pilates, mat pilates and general posture exercises on pain, disability, quality of life, flexibility and endurance of trunk extension muscles were researched in women with non-specific low back pain. The aim of this study was to examine the superiority of exercises over each other.

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Key information

Conditions

Mechanical Low Back Pain Back Pain Low Back Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University

Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

The participants were divided into three groups as reformer pilates group, mat pilates group and control group. Patients were allocated to the groups according to order of arrival starting from the reformer pilates group using a simple basic randomization method. All assessments were performed face to face by the physiotherapist. Exercise follow-up was performed individually. Pain intensity, level of disability, flexibility values, quality of life, and trunk extension endurance times were evaluated before and after treatment. Reformer, mat pilates, and general posture exercise training were performed twice a weekly for 12 weeks. In evaluation, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used for pain intensity, Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire for disability, Short Form - 36 Questionnaire (SF-36) for quality of life, Sit-lie test for flexibility, McGill extension test for trunk extension endurance. Demographic information of individuals was recorded.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • being a woman between the ages of 18 and 50
  • having a diagnosis of NLBP
  • not having any obstacles to exercise.

Exclusion criteria

  • To be pregnant, history of previous spine surgery, rheumatic diseases that may cause low back pain, severe spinal pathologies (tumor, fracture, etc.).
  • having received physiotherapy for spine health in the last 6 months and receiving any analgesic or anti-inflammatory medical treatment

Treatment and study plan

Exercise training

Other

Reformer, mat pilates, and general posture exercise training were performed twice a weekly for 12 weeks. Before starting pilates training, the key elements of pilates were taught to patients for one session. In evaluation, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used for pain intensity, Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire for disability, Short Form - 36 Questionnaire (SF-36) for quality of life, Sit-lie test for flexibility, McGill extension test for trunk extension endurance. Demographic information of individuals was recorded.

Other names: Pilates and posture exercises

Primary outcomes

  1. Disability

    Time frame: baseline and after 12 weeks training immediately after the intervention

    Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire: There are 10 subheadings in this Questionnaire.There are six options under each heading.In each section, options are scored between 0-5.The lowest score obtained as a result of the survey is "0" and the highest score is "50". The level of functional disability increases with increasing total score.

  2. Pain Level

    Time frame: baseline and after 12 weeks training immediately after the intervention

    Visual Pain Scale: '0' indicates no pain, '10' indicates severe pain. As the score increases, the level of pain worsens.

  3. Flexibility

    Time frame: baseline and after 12 weeks training immediately after the intervention

    Sit and Reach test: A test box with a ruler was used. The participants placed their feet on the corners of the box without shoes.The data was recorded in centimetres. The corner of the test box is considered to be 0,Values extending further from the edge of the cube were accepted as positive, while values beyond were accepted as negative .

  4. Quality of Life Level

    Time frame: baseline and after 12 weeks training immediately after the intervention

    Short Form-36 Questionnaire: It has 8 subscales of health- related quality of life that examine physical functioning (10 items). Each subscale is calculated separately. In the questionnaire, a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 100 points are awarded.. A score of '0' indicates poor health, while a score of '100' indicates good health.

  5. Trunk Extension Endurance

    Time frame: baseline and after 12 weeks training immediately after the intervention

    The McGill trunk extension test: The time the individuals were able to maintain the position was recorded in seconds.Minimum and maximum values depend on participants.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates on Pain, Functional Disability and Quality Of Life in Women With Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Study

Important dates

Study start
2021
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Aug 21, 2025
Registry last updated
Aug 21, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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