Systematic review: Are yoga, Pilates and Swiss ball effective core stability referral options for chronic low back pain treatment?

Item

Title
Systematic review: Are yoga, Pilates and Swiss ball effective core stability referral options for chronic low back pain treatment?
Title
Systematic review: Are yoga, Pilates and Swiss ball effective core stability referral options for chronic low back pain treatment?
Author(s)
Thurston Diana
Abstract
Objective: To assess the efficacy of core stability exercise (CSE) delivered by ‘general’ CSE, and ‘postural control’ CSE (Pilates, Swiss ball and yoga), in the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: Systematic computerised literature search of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated for risk of bias, quality of evidence and reporting, and clinical importance. Results: Sixteen trials met the inclusion criteria (seven ‘general’ CSE, three Pilates, one Swiss ball and five yoga). Trials provided very high to very low quality evidence, with low/very low GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) quality ratings when all trials investigating any two comparator interventions were analysed together for either pain or disability. GRADE quality was adversely affected by heterogeneous results and risk of bias, inadequate trial power, and poor reporting of between-group results and confidence intervals. Conclusions: Recent ‘general’ CSE trials confirm that treatment is equally effective to other conservative treatments for CLBP. Weak evidence supports current osteopathic referral to Pilates. Stronger evidence indicates that osteopaths should also consider yoga referral for interested patients.
Abstract
Objective: To assess the efficacy of core stability exercise (CSE) delivered by ‘general’ CSE, and ‘postural control’ CSE (Pilates, Swiss ball and yoga), in the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: Systematic computerised literature search of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated for risk of bias, quality of evidence and reporting, and clinical importance. Results: Sixteen trials met the inclusion criteria (seven ‘general’ CSE, three Pilates, one Swiss ball and five yoga). Trials provided very high to very low quality evidence, with low/very low GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) quality ratings when all trials investigating any two comparator interventions were analysed together for either pain or disability. GRADE quality was adversely affected by heterogeneous results and risk of bias, inadequate trial power, and poor reporting of between-group results and confidence intervals. Conclusions: Recent ‘general’ CSE trials confirm that treatment is equally effective to other conservative treatments for CLBP. Weak evidence supports current osteopathic referral to Pilates. Stronger evidence indicates that osteopaths should also consider yoga referral for interested patients.
Date Accepted
2011
Date Submitted
3.2.2012 00:00:00
Type
osteo_thesis
Language
English
Pub-Identifier
15111
Inst-Identifier
780
Keywords
Randomised controlled trial, chronic low back pain, rehabilitation, exercise, core stability, motor control, yoga, Pilates, Swiss ball
Recommended
0
Item sets
Thesis

Thurston Diana, “Systematic review: Are yoga, Pilates and Swiss ball effective core stability referral options for chronic low back pain treatment?”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 1, 2025, https://www.osteopathic-research.com/s/orw/item/1729