Effectiveness of the Pilates method for individuals with nonspecific low back pain: clinical and electromyographic aspects

ABSTRACT

AIMS: The aim of this study was to verify the influence of Pilates on muscle activation of lumbar multifidus (LM) and transversus abdominis/internal oblique muscles (TrA/IO) in individuals with nonspecific low back pain. METHODS: Twelve individuals of both sexes with non-specific low back pain were evaluated before and after a two-month Pilates program in relation to electromyographic activity of LM and TrA/IO, as well as clinical aspects such as pain, flexibility, muscular endurance, quality of life; and Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (in relation to physical and work-related activities. A statistical analysis was performed using a test for independent samples and significance was established at the level of 0.05. RESULTS: After eight weeks of Pilates training, there was an improvement in the clinical parameters of pain, flexibility, muscular endurance and disability. The individuals presented lower LM activation (p=0.025), higher trunk extension strength (p=0.005) and an increase in time from onset to peak muscle activation (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Pilates protocol was effective for clinical improvement and motor behavior in patients with nonspecific low back pain and the parameters assessed showed a large effect size despite the small sample.(AU)