Effects of Whole-Body Vibration and Pilates on Pain, Dynamic Balance, and Functional Performance in Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain

NCT07719699 | Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: UBAS/ERB/26/04/014
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 68
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) affects pain, balance, and functional ability. This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) and Pilates, both combined with conventional physiotherapy, on pain, dynamic balance, and functional performance. A total of 68 participants aged 18-40 years will be randomly assigned to either a WBV group or a Pilates group. Both groups will receive treatment three times per week for four weeks. Outcomes will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (pain), Y-Balance Test (dynamic balance), and Progressive Isoinertial Lifting Evaluation (functional performance). The results will help determine which intervention is more effective for managing CNSLBP and guide evidence-based rehabilitation practices.

Conditions

Chronic Non Specific Low Back Pain

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Pain intensity

  Outcome Measure: Change in dynamic balance measured using the Y-Balance Test. Description: Dynamic balance will be assessed using the Y-Balance Test. Reach distances in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions will be normalized to limb length, and a composite score (%) will be calculated. Higher composite scores indicate better dynamic balance.

  Time Frame: Baseline and 4 weeks (post-intervention).

• Dynamic Balance

  Dynamic balance will be assessed using the Y-Balance Test Composite Reach Distance, normalized to limb length. Composite scores range from 0% to 100%. Higher scores indicate better dynamic balance. Unit of Measure: Percent (%)

  4 weeks

• Functional performance

  Outcome Measure: Change in functional performance measured using the Progressive Isoinertial Lifting Evaluation (PILE). Description: Functional performance will be assessed using the Progressive Isoinertial Lifting Evaluation (PILE), which measures lifting capacity during a standardized lifting task. The primary outcome will be the maximum weight lifted (kg) and the number of completed lifting stages. Higher values indicate better functional performance.

  Time Frame: Baseline and 4 weeks (post-intervention).

Study Arms (2)

Whole Body Vibration

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive Whole Body Vibration training using a vibration platform. Sessions will be conducted 3 times per week for 4 weeks, lasting approximately 20-30 minutes per session. The protocol will include static and dynamic postures designed to activate lower and upper limb musculature, with incorporated upper limb movements and a 2:1 work-rest ratio

Other: Whole body vibration

Pilates

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

participants in this group will receive a supervised mat-based Pilates program conducted by a trained physiotherapist. The intervention will be carried out 3 times per week for 4 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes. Exercises will focus on core stability, postural alignment, controlled breathing, and upper limb engagement, performed using an intermittent 2:1 work-rest ratio.

Other: Pilates

Interventions

Pilates OTHER

Mat-based Pilates exercises will be performed under the supervision of a trained physiotherapist. The intervention will be conducted 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes, using a 2:1 work-rest ratio similar to the WBV group. The program will include: Diaphragmatic breathing: 2 min activity + 1 min rest The Hundred: 2 sets of 2 min with 30 sec rest Roll Up: 5 cycles (40 sec activity + 20 sec rest) Single Leg Circles: small and large circles (40 sec each + 20 sec rest), bilaterally Spine Stretch: 5 cycles (40 sec activity + 20 sec rest) Single Leg Stretch: 4 cycles (40 sec activity + 20 sec rest) Diaphragmatic breathing (cool-down): 2 min activity + 1 min rest Exercises will be performed at low to moderate intensity, focusing on core stabilization, breathing control, flexibility, and controlled movement. All participants will also receive conventional physiotherapy, including TENS (100 Hz, 200 µs, 10 minutes) and lumbar joint mobilizatio

Pilates

Whole body vibration OTHER

Whole-body vibration therapy will be delivered using a side-alternating vibration platform under the supervision of a trained physiotherapist. The intervention will be performed 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Each session will last 30 minutes, consisting of 10 bouts of 2 minutes vibration followed by 1 minute rest. Vibration parameters will include a frequency of 18 Hz and an amplitude of 2 mm. Participants will maintain a static standing posture with slight knee flexion, slight lumbar lordosis, and head erect. No additional exercises will be performed on the platform to isolate the effect of vibration. Participants will wear socks during the intervention. All participants will also receive conventional physiotherapy, including: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): 100 Hz frequency, 200 µs pulse duration, 10 minutes Joint mobilization: oscillations at 1-2 Hz applied for approximately 5 minutes to hypomobile or painful lumbar segments

Whole Body Vibration

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 40 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Male and Female (18-40 years age)
• Pain lasting for more than 12 weeks(determined by patient history)
• Pain scores (VAS) ranging from 3 to 8 points
• Pain located between T12 and gluteal folds(determined via palpation)
• Not having attended Pilates for low back pain for atleast 6 months prior to enrollment

You may not qualify if:

• History of spinal surgery, fractures, tumors, infections, or inflammatory spinal disease.
• Pregnant or lactating( strongly contraindicated for whole body vibration due to potential fetal risk and pelvic instability)
• Radicular pain, nerve root compression or neurological deficits.
• Medical comorbidities (e.g cardiovascular, neurological, endocrine or metabolic disease)(5).
• Physical limitations (e.g. orthopedic or rheumatic diseases, muscular injury, fibromyalgia, or pain)that could affect their ability to perform the Pilate exercises.
• Participants whose weight exceeds 150kg ( that's the maximum weight bearing capacity for WBV)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences: lead

Study Sites (1)

Surraya Azeem waqf hospital

Lahore, Punjab Province, 53400, Pakistan

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Exercise Movement Techniques

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Physical Therapy Modalities; Therapeutics

Study Officials

• Shoaib Waqas

  Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

  STUDY CHAIR

Central Study Contacts

Dr Mehwish Khalid, MSPT

CONTACT

03324302282; mehwish.khalid@ubas.edu.pk

Sameera Nadeem, DPT

CONTACT

03084899169; sameeranadeem7894@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 9, 2026
• First Posted: July 22, 2026
• Study Start: May 1, 2026
• Primary Completion: July 30, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): September 15, 2026
• Last Updated: July 22, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL, SAP, ICF, CSR
• Time Frame: Start Date: De-identified individual participant data (IPD) along with supporting materials will be made available following publication of the main trial findings, anticipated around 12 months after the study concludes. End Date: The data will be accessible for a period of 5 years from the commencement date to eligible researchers who provide a formal application and consent to the data use agreement.
• Access Criteria: Start Date: De-identified individual participant data (IPD) along with supporting materials will be made available following publication of the main trial findings, anticipated around 12 months after the study concludes. End Date: The data will be accessible for a period of 5 years from the commencement date to eligible researchers who provide a formal application and consent to the data use agreement.

Locations

PA (1)