Machine-Based Pilates on Quality of Life and Low Back Pain in Older Adults

NCT07596602 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: CE/IPLEIRIA/62/2023
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 16
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Chronic low back pain is one of the most prevalent and debilitating conditions among older adults, often compromising physical function and overall quality of life. Structured physical exercise, particularly the Pilates method, is widely recommended for managing this condition. However, existing literature primarily focuses on younger populations using mat-based group classes. This pilot study utilizes an exploratory mixed-methods design to investigate the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of a 12-week individualized, machine-based Classical Pilates program on quality of life and low back pain in active older adults (aged 55 to 75 years). Participants will complete 24 individual sessions (twice a week). The aim is to assess changes in physical domains of quality of life and perceived low back pain intensity, while gathering qualitative contextual insights on body awareness and psychosocial well-being.

Conditions

Low Back Pain; Aging; Quality of Lifte

Keywords

Quality of Life; Low Back Pain; Pilates; Active Aging; Individualized Training,

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Quality of Life

  Assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief (WHOQOL-Bref) questionnaire. It evaluates four domains: physical, psychological, social relationships, and environment. Responses are recorded on a five-point scale, where higher scores indicate a better perceived quality of life.

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 13).

Study Arms (1)

Machine-Based Pilates Group

EXPERIMENTAL

A 12-week program consisting of two individual 50-minute sessions per week. The protocol integrates "Skeleton" exercises (Mat and Reformer) and "System" exercises (auxiliary equipment). The periodization varies the positional stimulus (starting on Mat for the first 6 weeks, and starting on Reformer for the final 6 weeks). Intensity is maintained at a light-to-moderate level, monitored continuously via the Talk Test.

Behavioral: Machine-Based Classical Pilates Program

Interventions

Machine-Based Classical Pilates Program BEHAVIORAL

A 12-week program consisting of two individual 50-minute sessions per week. The protocol integrates "Skeleton" exercises (Mat and Reformer) and "System" exercises (auxiliary equipment). The periodization varies the positional stimulus (starting on Mat for the first 6 weeks, and starting on Reformer for the final 6 weeks). Intensity is maintained at a light-to-moderate level, monitored continuously via the Talk Test.

Machine-Based Pilates Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 55 Years - 75 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Aged between 55 and 75 years.
• Physically active in daily routines.
• No previous experience with machine-based Pilates.
• Presenting with moderate disability (Oswestry Disability Index = 21% to 40%) caused by low back pain.

You may not qualify if:

• Absolute contraindications to physical exercise.
• Severe spinal pathologies (e.g., hernias requiring surgery, severe osteoporosis, idiopathic scoliosis).
• Previous or scheduled spinal surgeries.
• Severe disability (Oswestry Disability Index \> 41%).
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• Recent stroke or myocardial infarction.
• Uncontrolled hypertension.
• Active oncological treatment.
• Physical therapy treatment for low back pain within the six months prior to the study.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Instituto Politécnico de Leiria: lead

Study Sites (1)

Instituto Politécnico de Leiria

Leiria, Leiria District, 2411-901, Portugal

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Low Back Pain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Back Pain; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: All eligible participants are assigned to a single experimental arm to receive the 12-week machine-based Pilates intervention.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 13, 2026
• First Posted: May 19, 2026
• Study Start: October 21, 2024
• Primary Completion: January 30, 2025
• Study Completion: January 30, 2025
• Last Updated: May 19, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL

Locations

PT (1)