Comparison of the Effectiveness of Reformer Pilates and Conventional Physiotherapy in Lumbar Disc Herniation

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Reformer Pilates and Conventional Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Practices in Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation

This study aims to examine the effects of Reformer Pilates on patient-reported outcomes such as pain level, fatigue, sleep quality, anxiety, kinesiophobia, and quality of life in individuals with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and to compare its effectiveness with conventional physiotherapy protocols.

All participants underwent a rehabilitation program for six weeks. Pre- and post-treatment assessments were conducted, and the results of the groups were compared. The Reformer Pilates group participated in a 12-session Pilates exercise program, performed twice a week for 45-50 minutes per session, while the Conventional Physiotherapy group underwent a 30-session conventional physiotherapy program, performed five days a week for 45-50 minutes per session.

Assessment tools included the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire, Fatigue Severity Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, and SF-36 Quality of Life Scale. Measurements were taken twice: before and after treatment.

In post-treatment group comparisons, a significant difference was found in pain levels in the Reformer Pilates group and fatigue levels in the Conventional Physiotherapy group. Within-group analyses showed significant improvements in pain, fatigue, kinesiophobia, and physical function subdomains in the Reformer Pilates group, while the Conventional Physiotherapy group showed significant improvements in fatigue, anxiety, and kinesiophobia scores.

In conclusion, Reformer Pilates was found to be an effective method for pain management, whereas Conventional Physiotherapy provided more notable benefits for fatigue management. Both methods were effective in managing kinesiophobia and fatigue, highlighting the importance of tailoring treatment plans to meet the individual needs of patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged between 21 and 50 years
• Complaints of low back pain for at least three months
• Diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation
• No spinal surgery in the last six months
• Regular participation in the program
• Ability to communicate
• Exclusion Criteria:
• Presence of systemic diseases affecting pain, such as fibromyalgia
• Presence of neurological or orthopedic disorders
• Receiving physical therapy in the past eight weeks
• Presence of spinal stenosis, spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, or other lumbar -degenerative diseases
• Pregnancy status