Online versus in-person supervised Pilates for non-specific low back pain
Effects of Online Versus Physically Supervised Pilates Exercise Program With Common Standard Physical Therapy Treatment on Pain, Mobility and Function in Patients With Non-specific Low Back Pain
This program will test whether supervised Pilates delivered online works as well as in-person supervised Pilates for adults aged 18–40 with chronic non-specific low back pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07026097 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled study at Riphah Rehabilitation Research Center in Lahore will enroll 40 adults with chronic non-specific low back pain and randomize them equally to two groups. Both groups will receive a Pilates exercise protocol plus a common standard physical therapy package (lumbar hot pack, hamstring stretches, and abdominal strengthening) delivered twice weekly for four weeks, with one group receiving online supervised Pilates and the other receiving clinic-based supervised Pilates. Primary outcomes include pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) and disability (Oswestry Disability Index), and the overall study activities are planned over a nine-month period. Participants are recruited using non-probability convenience sampling and must meet specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure safety.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–40 with chronic non-specific low back pain of at least three months' duration, NPRS 3–8, Oswestry Disability Index 20–34, and able to stand independently for at least 30 minutes are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with specific spine pathology (e.g., herniated disc, osteoarthritis), recent surgery or fracture, neurological or visual impairments, red-flag medical conditions, pregnancy, or radicular symptoms are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a more accessible way to reduce pain and disability by allowing effective Pilates supervision remotely.
How similar studies have performed: Previous randomized trials and reviews show supervised Pilates can reduce pain and disability in chronic non-specific low back pain, while evidence specifically for online-supervised Pilates is limited but emerging.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with LBP * Minimum chronicity of LBP 03 * Both Gender * Age ranges from 18-40 * Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) score 3 to 8 for pain intensity * Patient who can maintain their standing posture independently for ≥30 minutes, have enough physical autonomy to participate in the physical activities required by the study * Oswestry Disability Index score 20-34 Exclusion Criteria: * History of trauma or fracture of the supine * Chronic systemic soft tissue or bony disease * Post Operative * Pregnancy * Diagnosis of osteoarthritis and herniated disc * Any medical red flags * Neurological and visual impairments * Presence of root symptoms (e-g sciatica and cauda equina syndrome)
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Riphah Rehabilitation Clinic — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Syed Shakil ur Rehman, PhD — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Syed Shakil ur Rehman, PhD
- Email: shakil.urrehman@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: +92 320 786661
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.