Pilates Method in Helicopter Pilots With Low Back Pain

Effects of an Exercise Program Based on the Pilates Method in Brazilian Air Force Helicopter Pilots With Low Back Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of an exercise program, based on the Pilates method, on the low back pain and muscle fatigue of Brazilian Air Force helicopter pilots.

Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial composed by Brazilian Air Force helicopter instructors. The volunteers will be submitted to an initial evaluation composed by painful sensation, analyzed through the Numerical Pain Scale, disability associated with low back pain, using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, and back muscle fatigue, through the Ito test. The pilots will be randomly assigned to the Exercise Group (exercise program based on the Pilates method, twice a week for 12 weeks) and Control Group (no intervention). After the sixth and 12th week of the beginning of the intervention program a new evaluation will be carried out, identical to the initial one.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Brazilian Air Force helicopter instructors - Natal Air Base;
• Nonspecific low back pain for more than 3 months with a score of 2 or more at Numerical Pain Rating Scale.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Be undergoing physiotherapeutic treatment during the study period;
• Corticosteroids treatment in the last two weeks;
• Anti-inflammatory treatment in the previous 72 hours;
• Have specific spinal pathologies, such as spondylitis, spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, disc herniation with radiculopathy or those who have had spinal surgery in the last year or who have a recent history of spinal fracture.