Comparison of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Pilates exercises in patients with chronic low back pain: A randomized study.

研究概要

Sixty patients with chronic low back pain were randomized to receive either Pilates exercises (n = 30) or Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) exercises (n = 30). The primary outcome of interest was pain severity. Secondary outcomes included body image, fear-avoidance beliefs, core stability, and balance. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. Overall, the results of the study revealed that both interventions similarly reduced pain and fear-avoidance beliefs and improved balance, but only the Pilates group showed significant improvements in core stability and body image. These findings suggest that while both exercise types are beneficial, Pilates may offer additional advantages in core control and self-perception.