Effect and durability of eight weeks of central stability and Pilates exercises on sensory function, quality of life and pain in women with non-specific chronic low back pain

 Aims and background: LBP is one of the major costly health problems in many developed and developing countries which has many economic and social impacts. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect and duration of eight weeks of core stability and Pilates exercises on sensory function, quality of life and pain in women with nonspecific chronic low back pain. Materials and methods: Using a purposive and accessible sampling method, 30 individuals were selected randomly and divided into three groups of 10 patients with Pilates training, central stability training, and control group. Before the beginning of exercise protocols, quality of life questionnaire was completed and pain and sensory function measurements were performed. After eight weeks and one month thereafter, assessments were repeated, as in the pre-test steps. Analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to evaluate the results. The significance level was considered P ≤ 0.05. Findings: Pilates exercises and central stability had a significant effect on a visual pain scale, sensory function, and quality of life in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain. The sensory function was maintained in the central stability training group after one month. Conclusion: Pilates exercises and central stability had a significant effect on a visual pain scale, sensory function, and quality of life in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain. The sensory function was maintained in the central stability training group after one month.