Effects of a Mat Pilates Exercise Program on Elderly Women With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain

The technique of Pilates exercises on a mat has proven to be effective and practically applicable to patients with chronic back pain. However, its application in women over 65 years has not been adequately studied. Objective: This assessor-blind randomized clinical trial aims to study the effect of a mat Pilates exercise program on pain and functional ability of elderly women with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Methods: 60 elderly women with chronic nonspecific low back pain (duration of symptoms more than 12 weeks) are expected to participate in this study. Participants will be divided into two groups of 30 people each; one being intervention and one control. The intervention group will follow a custom mat Pilates program (twice per week) for 10 weeks, while the control group will not follow any treatment. Pain, functionality, balance, the number of painkillers administered, and adherence to exercise will be assessed at the beginning and end of the study and will be re-examined six months later.