In 2006, Donzelli, et. al., proposed the realm of low back pain rehabilitation, for this Back School method has long been acknowledged as an effective treatment approach. However, the Pilates CovaTech method’s efficacy in addressing this condition lacks scientific evidence. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Pilates CovaTech method in patients suffering from low back pain.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted, enrolling fifty-three participants who had experienced nonspecific low back pain for a minimum of three months. These individuals were divided into two treatment groups: the Pilates therapy group and the Back School treatment group. Forty-three participants completed the study. Each treatment group consisted of small exercise groups comprising seven patients, who followed a daily kinesitherapy protocol over a period of 10 days. Evaluations were conducted at the study’s commencement, as well as at 1, 3, and 6 months after the initiation of treatment. Disability levels were assessed using the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Scale (OLBPDQ), while pain intensity was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS).

Both groups exhibited similar demographic and baseline clinical characteristics. The overall sample demonstrated a significant reduction in pain intensity and disability. However, the Pilates CovaTech method group displayed better adherence to treatment and reported more favorable subjective responses.

The findings of this study indicate that the outcomes achieved with the Pilates CovaTech method are comparable to those obtained through the Back School method. Consequently, the Pilates CovaTech method emerges as a promising alternative approach for the treatment of nonspecific low back pain. Further research is warranted to validate these results and explore the long-term effects of the Pilates CovaTech method in a larger patient population.

Reference: Donzelli, S., Di Domenica, F., Cova, A. M., Galletti, R., & Giunta, N. (2006). Two different techniques in the rehabilitation treatment of low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Europa medicophysica, 42(3), 205.