Pilates vs. physio: which eases back pain better?
NCT ID NCT07543952
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compared reformer Pilates exercises with conventional physiotherapy (like heat, TENS, and exercises) in 42 adults with chronic low back pain lasting at least 12 weeks. The goal was to see which approach better reduces pain, improves daily function, and boosts quality of life. Both groups exercised three times a week, and researchers measured changes after treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- reformer Pilates exercises and conventional physiotherapy (electrotherapy, TENS, ultrasound, therapeutic exercises)
- What this could lead to
- If reformer Pilates proves more effective, it could offer a new exercise option for managing chronic low back pain.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial with only 42 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The study only looks at short-term effects, and benefits may not last.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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42 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Feb 2026
- Finished
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Apr 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Individuals aged between 18 and 65 years * Diagnosis of non-specific chronic low back pain lasting at least 12 weeks * Average low back pain intensity ≥3 on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) during the last week * Ability to participate in exercise sessions three times per week * Providing written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Specific causes of low back pain (tumor, infection, inflammatory rheumatic disease, vertebral fracture) * Radiculopathy or significant neurological deficits (progressive motor loss, severe sensory deficit, cauda equina syndrome) * History of lumbar spine surgery within the past 6 months or current surgical indication * Participation in regular Pilates or structured exercise programs within the last 3 months * Severe cardiopulmonary disease or uncontrolled hypertension contraindicating exercise * Pregnancy or early postpartum period * Severe psychiatric or cognitive disorders affecting study compliance * Participation in another physiotherapy or rehabilitation program during the study period
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
üsküdar University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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