The Comparison of the Effects of Selective Pilate’s and Williams’ Exercises on Pain and Flexibility in Men with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Chronic non-specific low back pain is a common disorder that often has no clear mechanism. Exercise therapy is an effective and safe method for treatment of chronic musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain. Pilate’s and Williams’ exercises are two types of distinct exercises used for the treatment of back pain, but there is no evidence for the advantage of these two exercises in literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of selective Pilate’s and Williams’ exercises on the back flexibility and back pain in men with chronic non-specific low back pain. Methods: Forty men with chronic non-specific low back pain were divided into two equal groups who participated in 10 sessions (during two weeks) of treatment program. Patients in group 1 received an electrotherapy treatment followed by selective Pilate’s exercises. Patients in group 2 received Williams’ exercises after the same electrotherapy treatment. Back flexibility and pain level were measured before and after the interventions. Also, a pain follow up was done four weeks later. Statistical analysis was done using Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, mixed ANOVA and Friedman tests. Results: The results showed that the back flexibility increased and pain decreased in both groups (P=0.001). Selective Pilate’s exercises were more effective in enhancing the back flexibility and reducing back pain (P=0.001). Conclusion: Comparison of these two types of therapeutic exercises showed that selective Pilate’s exercises are more effective in treatment of patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Keywords

• Chronic non-specific low back pain
• Pilate’s exercises
• Williams’ exercises