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Effectiveness of Pilates exercise on low back pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Systematic review of 36 RCTs and meta-analysis of 19 trials concludes Pilates reduces perceived chronic low back pain versus no exercise and shows a similar directional benefit versus non-specific exercise comparators.
Design
- SR/MA; databases including MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane, PEDro (search through 2023)
- Included: 36 RCTs in qualitative synthesis; 19 in quantitative meta-analysis
- Comparators: no exercise (22 trials) or non-specific exercise (13 trials)
Findings
- Pilates decreases perceived CLBP vs no exercise (pooled direction significant in MA)
- Similar trend vs non-specific exercise (abstract narrative—inspect comparative forest plots)
Evidence hygiene
- Heterogeneity in mat vs equipment Pilates, supervision, and co-interventions—attribute gains to the package you actually deliver.
- Pair with Li et al. 2023 network meta (
li-2023-exercise-clbp-network-meta-front-pub-health) for multi-modality rank context.
Publication
Patti A, Thornton JS, Giustino V, et al. Disabil Rehabil. 2024 Aug;46(16):3535-3548. Epub 2023 Aug 26. PMID 37632387 (PROSPERO CRD42022308387).
Outcomes
- Meta-analysis of 19 RCTs: Pilates significantly reduced chronic low-back pain perception versus no exercise; similar favourable trend versus non-specific exercise in abstract narrative.