ABSTRACT
Aim: To compare the effects of Pilates with and without accessories on biochemical markers, pain intensity, functional disability and muscle strength in postmenopausal women with nonspecific chronic low back pain. Materials & methods: Twenty-two participants were randomized to a group of Pilates without (PG; n = 11) and with elastic resistance (PAG; n = 11) for 8 weeks, twice a week. We analyzed IGF-1, IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), cortisol, creatine kinase, pain intensity, functional disability, abdominal and back strengths. Results: Both groups had lower pain intensity and functional disability and increased lumbar strength postinterventions. PAG exhibited an increase in IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio and reduction in creatine kinase compared with PG. Conclusion: Both interventions were effective in the treatment of low back pain. However, PAG presented better responses than PG. Clinical Trial Registration: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry: ReBEC (RBR-9jwcykc), www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-9jwcykc.
Pilates is a type of exercise that has been practiced, both in health promotion and rehabilitation, including low back pain (LBP) treatment. LBP prevails in women after menopause when compared with men. Thus, we submitted postmenopausal women with chronic LBP to two groups, one that practiced Pilates with elastic resistance and the other without these accessories. These elastic bands of progressive tension increase the effort of the exercise performed. We analyzed biochemical markers, pain intensity, functional disability and muscle strength. After 8 weeks, both groups had lower pain intensity and functional disability and increased lumbar strength. Furthermore, the group that used elastic resistance during the training showed increase in IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio and reduction in creatine kinase compared with the other group.
