Moderate-load eccentric core exercises versus Pilates for adults with non-specific low back pain
Official title: Comparison of Moderate Load Eccentric Core Exercises and Pilates in Patients With Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Run by Foundation University Islamabad · NCT07332390 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether moderate-load eccentric core exercises or Pilates work better to reduce pain and improve function in adults 18–45 with chronic non-specific low back pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Foundation University Islamabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | January 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07332390 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults 18–45 years old with non-specific low back pain for more than three months and pain rated 3–8 on the numeric pain rating scale, without neurological signs or major spinal pathology.
✕Probably not a fit
People with radicular leg symptoms, clear structural spinal disease (e.g., spondylolisthesis, significant scoliosis), recent abdominal/spinal/lower limb surgery, pregnancy, or very severe acute pain (NPRS >8) are unlikely to benefit from this program and are excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults aged 18–45 with non-specific low back pain lasting more than three months are assigned to either a supervised program of moderate-load eccentric core exercises or a supervised Pilates program. Outcomes measured before and after the intervention include pain intensity, joint position error (proprioception), lumbar range of motion, and core muscle endurance. Participants with radicular symptoms, structural spinal disease, recent surgery, pregnancy, or very severe acute pain are excluded. The comparison aims to determine which exercise approach better restores neuromuscular control and reduces persistent pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, one of these exercise programs could offer a practical, non-surgical way to reduce pain, improve core control and proprioception, and lower the chance of recurrent low back pain.
How similar studies have gone: Pilates has shown modest benefit for chronic low back pain in prior trials, while moderate-load eccentric core training is less well-studied and supported mainly by smaller or mechanistic studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * • Adults 18 to 45 years * Both genders * Low back (from T12 to buttock line) pain for more than 3 months * Non-specific low back pain i.e. signs or symptoms not attributable to any specific structure * Low back pain on 3-8 NPRS Exclusion Criteria: * • Acute flare Low Back Pain * Low back pain on NPRS (\>8) * Thoracic pain * Centralization and peripheralization of pain * Leg symptoms when walking, eased in flexion (Signs of stenosis) * Pain due to repetitive movement * Paresthesia/numbness * Structural deformity (scoliosis, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis) * Curve reversal * Pregnancy * Post-surgery (within 6 months of abdominal, spinal, or lower limb surgery) * Degenerative or inflammatory spinal diseases * Malignancy
Where it's running
-
Foundation University Islamabad
Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tehreem Zahra, DPT
- Email: tehreemzahra2310@gmail.com
- Phone: 0334-9709725
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
A novel multi angular isometric lumbar exercise for chronic low back pain
This trial tests MAILE, a new lumbar exercise method, to see if it helps adults with nonspecific chronic low back pain more than standard lumbar stabilization and core exercises.
-
Pain catastrophizing, fear of movement, and activity in postmenopausal women with chronic low back pain
This observational study looks at how negative pain thoughts and fear of moving relate to how active postmenopausal women with long‑standing low back pain are.
-
Analgesia boost from adding a sacral submultifidus block to SIJ injection
This study tests whether adding a sacral submultifidus block to a standard image-guided sacroiliac joint injection provides better pain relief and function for adults with chronic SIJ‑related pain.
-
Telerehabilitation after spine surgery
This trial tests different ways of delivering post-operative instructions to people who had spinal decompression surgery to see how it affects recovery and healthcare use.
-
How patient education helps people with chronic musculoskeletal pain stick to home exercise for pain relief
A structured patient education program is tested to see if it helps people with chronic low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, and shoulder problems stick with their home exercise plan to relieve pain.
-
Core endurance vs segmental stabilization for low back pain in recreational athletes
This trial tests whether core endurance exercises or segmental stabilization exercises better help recreational athletes with non-specific low back pain.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.