DMA Clinical Pilates TM exercises improved clinical and biomechanical outcomes for adults with nonspecific chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

Pilates exercises are beneficial for chronic lower back pain. This study examined the effectiveness of DMA Clinical PilatesTM in improving clinical and biomechanical outcomes against general Pilates and general exercise. 52 adults with nonspecific chronic low back pain were randomized to Clinical Pilates, general Pilates or general exercise group, in a double-blind, 6-week intervention. Clinical outcomes and single-leg squat biomechanics were studied. Participants were assessed at baseline, Week 6 and Week 12. Clinical Pilates was more effective at Weeks 6 and 12 for pain - mean differences > 2 points, 95% CIs [-2.53, -1.60], function - mean differences > 1.8 points [1.39, 2.63], disability - mean differences ≥ 5.9% [-9.01, -4.50], problem side hamstrings flexibility - mean differences > 3.9° [3.21, 8.43], and problem side single-leg squat performance as compared with other groups for terminal knee flexion angle - mean differences > 14.8° [12.25, 19.27], total squat duration - mean differences < -0.6 s [-1.78, -0.18] and mediolateral sway path - mean differences < -9.9 m [-24.57, -1.10] as compared to other interventions. DMA Clinical PilatesTM is more effective than general Pilates and general exercise in managing nonspecific chronic low back pain.