Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Enrolling by Invitation

NCT Number: NCT07515287

Restoration of Sensorimotor Function in Middle-Aged Women With Chronic Lumbar Disc Herniation: The Effect of Pilates on Proprioception, Tibialis Anterior Strength, and Dynamic Balance

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of core stabilization-focused Pilates exercises on sensorimotor function in middle-aged women diagnosed with chronic lumbar disc herniation (LDH). A total of 30 women who continue their normal daily activities and meet the inclusion criteria will be included in the study, with 15 participants in the treatment group and 15 in the control group. The study will involve an exercise intervention protocol consisting of Pilates exercises requiring full participation over an 8-week period.

Enrolling by Invitation

Interested in participating?

Request Info

Key information

Conditions

Chronic LDH

Age range

45 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi

Kahramanmaraş, onikişubat, 46100, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common musculoskeletal disorder resulting from the degeneration of intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine and the compression of nerve roots. This condition leads to symptoms such as low back pain, numbness in the lower extremities, muscle weakness, and balance impairments, significantly limiting individuals' daily activities and quality of life.

Pilates is a mind-body exercise approach that focuses on the activation of deep core muscles (such as the transversus abdominis and multifidus), breathing control, and body awareness. This exercise model is thought to potentially reverse pain-induced cortical reorganization in the motor cortex and improve sensorimotor integration by promoting neuromuscular re-education.

Although the effects of Pilates on trunk proprioception have been investigated in the literature, studies specifically examining its impact on ankle proprioception and distal muscle strength in patients with LDH are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Pilates on the sensorimotor system in middle-aged women with chronic lumbar disc herniation.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • * Female individuals aged 45-60 years diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation (LDH),
  • Individuals who were diagnosed with LDH at least one year prior,
  • Individuals who have not received any therapeutic exercise treatment in the past year,
  • Individuals without any communication impairments (visual or hearing),
  • Individuals who have not undergone any surgical procedure within the last 6 months,
  • Individuals who voluntarily agree to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

  • * Individuals who do not wish to participate in the study,
  • Individuals who do not meet the age criteria,
  • Individuals currently receiving therapeutic exercise treatment,
  • Individuals with conditions that may affect ankle muscle strength and sensation (e.g., diabetes, rheumatologic diseases, neuromuscular disorders).

Treatment and study plan

pilates exercise

Other

Pİlates Group: 8-week Pilates exercise program

Other names: Core Stabilization

Primary outcomes

  1. Proprioceptive Sense/Joint Position Sense

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

    Ankle joint position sense will be assessed to evaluate proprioceptive function. The assessment will be performed in a standing position. Reflective markers will be placed on anatomical landmarks used as pivot points for goniometric measurement of the ankle, and participants' feet will be labeled with their names to prevent any confusion.

    Participants will be asked to transfer their body weight onto one leg. During this, on the side to be measured, they will be instructed to maintain a position with the hip at 30° flexion and the knee at 60° flexion, lightly touching the ground with the toes. Two rigid devices providing 0° and 10° angles at the ankle joint will be used. The ankle will be positioned at the target angle using these devices, and the participant will be asked to hold this position for 5 seconds.

    Afterward, the foot will be returned to the initial position. Participants will then be asked to look straight ahead and actively reproduce the same ankle position, at which poi

  2. Tibialis Anterior Muscle Test

    Time frame: "From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks"

    The strength of the tibialis anterior muscle will be measured using the Lafayette Muscle Testing device (Model 01165, FDA Medical, Canada). The test will be conducted in a seated position. Prior to the assessment, participants will be informed about the procedure, and similar to manual muscle testing, they will be asked to pull their ankle toward themselves with maximum effort.

  3. Functional Reach Test

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

    This test is a practically applicable assessment and is preferred in many studies for evaluating dynamic balance. The only requirements for its administration are a measuring tape and sufficient space.

  4. Time Up Go Test

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

    Before the test, participants will be informed about the procedure and the test will be demonstrated. Upon the "start" command, the participant will be asked to rise from a chair, walk around a target placed 3 meters away, and return to sit on the chair. Timing will be measured using a stopwatch. The test will be repeated three times, and the best time, in seconds, will be recorded.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Pain Assesment

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

    The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), which is widely used in studies for pain assessment due to its ease of use and practicality, will be employed to evaluate pain.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University

Other

Registry information

Acronym: Chronic LDH

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Apr 7, 2026
Registry last updated
Apr 7, 2026

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.