Reformer Pilates versus conventional physiotherapy for chronic low back pain

Comparison of Reformer Pilates Exercises and Conventional Physiotherapy on Pain, Disability and Quality of Life in Individuals With Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This trial will see if reformer Pilates or conventional physiotherapy better reduces pain and improves function in adults with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 36 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Uskudar University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Istanbul)
• Trial ID: NCT07543952 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups comparing reformer Pilates to conventional physiotherapy. Eligible adults with non-specific chronic low back pain will be randomly assigned using computer-generated allocation. Each group receives supervised sessions three times per week for six weeks, with the Pilates group focusing on trunk stabilization, coordination and flexibility and the physiotherapy group receiving electrotherapy modalities plus therapeutic exercises. Outcomes measured before and after the intervention include pain severity (NRS) as the primary outcome and functional disability (ODI) and health-related quality of life (SF-12) as secondary outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with non-specific chronic low back pain of at least 12 weeks' duration, average pain ≥3/10, who can attend supervised sessions three times per week and can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with specific spinal pathology (tumor, infection, fracture), radiculopathy or major neurological deficits, recent lumbar surgery, pregnancy, severe cardiopulmonary disease, or recent regular Pilates/structured exercise are unlikely to benefit from this comparison.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, one approach could offer a non-drug option that reduces pain, improves function, and enhances quality of life for people with chronic low back pain.

How similar studies have performed: Previous trials show exercise-based approaches, including Pilates, can reduce chronic low back pain, but direct randomized comparisons specifically between reformer Pilates and conventional physiotherapy are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Individuals aged between 18 and 65 years

* Diagnosis of non-specific chronic low back pain lasting at least 12 weeks
* Average low back pain intensity ≥3 on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) during the last week
* Ability to participate in exercise sessions three times per week
* Providing written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Specific causes of low back pain (tumor, infection, inflammatory rheumatic disease, vertebral fracture)
* Radiculopathy or significant neurological deficits (progressive motor loss, severe sensory deficit, cauda equina syndrome)
* History of lumbar spine surgery within the past 6 months or current surgical indication
* Participation in regular Pilates or structured exercise programs within the last 3 months
* Severe cardiopulmonary disease or uncontrolled hypertension contraindicating exercise
* Pregnancy or early postpartum period
* Severe psychiatric or cognitive disorders affecting study compliance
* Participation in another physiotherapy or rehabilitation program during the study period

Where this trial is running

Istanbul

• üsküdar University — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: osman çoban, phd — üsküdar university
• Study coordinator: osman çoban, phd

Conditions: Low Back Pain, low back pain, Exercise Therapy, Pain Measurement, Quality of Life