Riassunto dello studio

558 patients with low back pain from 8 randomized controlled trials were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing mind-body interventions (ex. Pilates) performed by a physical therapist to a control group (either exercise-based or non-exercise-based). The pooled outcomes of interest included pain and disability scores, at both short (<12 weeks) and long-term (≥12 weeks) follow-up. The results of the meta-analysis indicated significantly better short-term pain outcomes compared to both exercise and non-exercised controls; however, the effect was larger compared to non-exercise controls. With respect to disability, no differences in the sub-group analyses by control type were observed, but mind-body exercise did outperform all controls in the pooled outcome for short-term disability. No differences in pooled long-term pain or disability outcomes were observed.