Quantitative data to evaluate Clinical Pilates efficacy in chronic low back pain using inertial measurement units

Introduction: Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is a multifactorial condition that affects a large percentage of the population worldwide. Therapeutic exercise is among the strategies used to treat the symptoms of the condition, and in recent years, the Clinical Pilates method has gained popularity as a treatment option (4). This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the Clinical Pilates method in patients with CNLBP by analyzing quantitative data that evaluate the functionality of the lumbar spine (2,3). Methods: Twenty-two patients diagnosed with CNLBP were included in this research. The subjects were measured for their lumbar spine range of motion (ROM) and the time it took them to complete three clinical assessment tests. Two inertial measurement units (MMR+ and Mbientlab) were utilized to measure motion data throughout the execution of the prone plank bridge test (PBT), the side bridge test (SBT), and the supine bridge test (SUBT) (6). The data were obtained before and after the completion of a six-week Clinical Pilates therapeutic exercise rehabilitation program. Results and Discussion: Statistically significant differences were found in all three tests’ kinematic patterns and time pre- and post rehabilitation program. The subjects demonstrated improvement in all three assessments, as well as an increase in range of motion achieved throughout the execution of the program (1). Conclusions: These findings align with the existing literature that suggests possible enhancements in the clinical condition of patients following intervention with Clinical Pilates. Further research should be carried out using a wider range of clinical evaluation methods to confirm the efficacy of therapeutic exercise in treating symptoms of CNLBP (7,5).