Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Pilates versus home-based exercises in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain: randomised controlled trial protocol

Background: The use of exercise in primary healthcare is recommended for the management of chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP). Home-based exercises are effective and widely adopted in this setting. Pilates may be useful as primary care strategy; however, evidence is controversial. Study design: Randomised controlled trial with economic evaluation, conducted in a clinical setting. Objective: To compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Pilates versus home-based exercises in individuals with CNLBP. Methods: One hundred and forty-four participants (aged 18–50 years and with CNLBP >12 consecutive weeks previous to the study) will be recruited, enrolled and randomly allocated to one of two groups: (1) Pilates (n = 72) or (2) home-based exercises (n = 72). The Pilates group will receive mat-based exercises and the Home-Based Exercise group will receive a prescription of strength, stretching and postural exercises. The intervention will last six weeks (twice-weekly sessions). Assessments will be performed at baseline, at the end of the intervention (6 weeks) and after six months follow-up. Primary outcomes: pain intensity and disability; secondary outcomes: static balance, quality of life and perception of recovery. Conclusions: This RCT may yield results applicable to the decision-making of health system managers.