Feasibility and Preliminary Outcomes of a Machine-Based Pilates Program on Quality of Life and Low Back Pain in Aged Adults: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Background and Objectives: The aging process impacts physical function and quality of life, often exacerbated by chronic conditions such as low back pain. This pilot study explored the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of a 12-week machine-based Classical Pilates program on quality of life and low back pain in older adults. Materials and Methods: An exploratory mixed-methods approach was used. The quantitative phase included 13 participants (Mage = 64.76 ± 4.71) to evaluate quality of life. All 13 participants were assessed for low back pain and quality of life, and 4 females participated in a focus group for a qualitative analysis of perceived benefits. The intervention consisted of two individual sessions per week. Results: Preliminary quantitative analysis revealed an increase in the physical domain of quality of life (p < 0.05). There was a reduction in pain intensity and global pain values (p < 0.05). Qualitative data provided context for these preliminary findings, with participants reporting perceived improvements in mobility, body awareness, pain management, and sleep quality, alongside notable psychosocial benefits. Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that a 12-week individual machine-based Pilates program is feasible and may be associated with improvements in the physical domain of quality of life and perceived low back pain in active older adults. Due to the complete absence of a control group and the very small sample size, it is impossible to isolate the intervention’s efficacy from natural progression or placebo effects. Consequently, these results are strictly exploratory and hypothesis-generating. The mixed-methods approach highlights that individualized machine-based Pilates may provide self-reported psychosocial and daily living benefits, supporting the need for future well-powered randomized controlled trials.