Pilates Exercise Therapy Network for Low Back Pain -Tokushima University Model-

Abstract

The effectiveness of Pilates as an exercise therapy for low back pain has been attracting attention, but it has not yet been fully verified in Japan. In November 2021, the Department of Orthopedics at Tokushima University, in collaboration with the University Hospital and five other hospitals and two universities in the prefecture, launched a project on the promotion and effectiveness of Pilates-based exercise therapy for low back pain.

Patients were either hospitalized at Tokushima University Hospital or were returnees who had undergone surgery in the past and had given their consent. Patients were either inpatients (6 days a week, 40-120 minutes a day, for 2-4 weeks) or outpatients (1-2 days a week, 40 minutes a time) at the collaborating hospital, and exercise therapy with Pilates was performed. Pilates aimed to improve the stability of the lumbar spine and the mobility of the thoracic spine and hip joint based on Joint-by-Joint theory. These exercise therapies were administered by physicians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists who were fully trained in Pilates instruction.

A 73-year-old woman with kyphosis and scoliosis complained of low back pain throughout the day. After 4 weeks of Pilates, the pain disappeared. In addition, her balance function improved, and her posture improved in standing, sitting, and walking.

In the future, we would like to increase the number of cases by utilizing the network with partner hospitals and verify the effectiveness of Pilates exercise therapy.