Application of online-Pilates exercise based on information visualization training feedback in elderly people with low back pain: A randomized controlled trials

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate if remote Pilates exercises for older patients with low back pain(LBP) in the post-COVID-19 era may be successfully performed using a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU)-based information visualization training feedback technology. Design: A total of 40 older patients with LBP were randomly allocated to a control group ($\mathrm{n}=20$) receiving clinical Pilates training instruction via video link or an experimental group ($\mathrm{n}=20$)) with tele-Pilates exercise based on information visualization training feedback. The program had two 60-minute sessions per week for the whole eight-week duration. Pain was assessed by a visual analogue scale(VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index(ODI) was used to evaluate physical function, the modified Schober test was used to measure lumbar range of flexion and extension, and core strength was assessed by the PBU. Results: Between-group analysis showed significant variations in the degree of disability in the intervention group compared to the control group ($\mathrm{p} < 0.001$), lumbar flexibility ($\mathrm{p}=0.02$) and core muscle activation capacity ($\mathrm{p} < 0.001$). And level of pain was significantly decreased in both two groups. Conclusions: In elderly patients with LBP, an 8-week remote Pilates exercise based on information visualization training feedback is beneficial in reducing disability, pain, and enhancing flexibility and core muscle strength. © 2022 IEEE.