Mind-Body Pilates vs Pressure Biofeedback for Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT07738965

Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences66 enrolled

Overview

Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain means pain in the lower back that lasts for more than 3 months and does not have a serious cause like a fracture, infection, or nerve damage. It is very common and affects many people at some point in their lives. This type of back pain usually happens because the muscles that support your spine become weak or do not work properly. It can also be linked to poor posture, sitting too long, lack of exercise, stress, or anxiety. Over time, this can lead to stiffness, reduced movement, and difficulty doing daily activities. Treatment mainly focuses on exercise and staying active. Simple physiotherapy treatments like stretching, strengthening, and heat therapy can help reduce pain, but they may not fully improve the deeper muscles that support your back. Two helpful exercise approaches are: Mind-Body Pilates: This involves slow, controlled movements with proper breathing. It helps improve posture, strengthen core muscles, and reduce stress. Pressure Biofeedback Training: This uses a small device to help you learn how to correctly activate deep abdominal muscles that support your spine. Both methods can reduce pain and improve movement. Pilates focuses on whole-body control and relaxation, while biofeedback training focuses more on activating specific muscles. In simple terms, regular exercise, good posture, and learning how to properly use your core muscles are key to managing long-term back pain and improving your quality of life.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Chronic Non Specific Low Back Pain

Interventions

Mind-Body PilatesBEHAVIORAL

A structured Mind-Body Pilates exercise program focusing on core stability, postural alignment, breathing control, and functional movement patterns. The program includes mat-based exercises targeting deep trunk muscles (transversus abdominis, multifidus) with emphasis on controlled movements and neuromuscular coordination. Sessions will be supervised by a physiotherapist, conducted 3 times per week for 6 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45-60 minutes

Pressure BiofeedbackBEHAVIORAL

A core stabilization exercise program using a pressure biofeedback unit to facilitate activation and control of deep abdominal muscles, particularly the transversus abdominis. Exercises will be performed in progressive positions (supine, sitting, standing) with visual feedback to ensure correct muscle activation. Sessions will be supervised by a physiotherapist, conducted 3 times per week for 6 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 40 YearsMax age: 55 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 40-55 years. * Diagnosed with chronic non-specific low back pain (pain lasting ≥12 weeks). * Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score ≥3. * Able to understand study procedures and provide written informed consent. * Able to participate in the exercise program and attend treatment sessions. Exclusion Criteria: * History of lumbar spine surgery within the past 12 months. * Serious spinal pathology (fracture, tumor, infection, inflammatory disease). * Neurological deficits or radiculopathy requiring surgical management. * Pregnancy. * Participation in a structured Pilates or core stabilization program within the previous 6 months. * Any medical condition that prevents safe participation in exercise.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Numeric Pain Rating Scale

Pain intensity will be measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). score range from 0 to 10, High score indicating greater pain

Time frame: week 6

Secondary Outcomes

Pressure Biofeedback Unit

Core muscle strength will be assessed using the Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) and measured in mmHg forPBU. Improvement is indicated by better activation and control of the deep trunk muscles during testing.