Effects of the Pilates method on neck pain: a systematic review

To systematically review randomized and non-randomized controlled trials that assessed the effects of Pilates on neck pain when compared to other groups (CRD42015025987).

Methods:

This study involved a systematic review directed by the PRISMA Statement based on the recommendations of the Cochrane Colaboration, registered in PROSPERO under the code CRD42015025987. The following databases were searched: Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science, using the terms “Pilates” AND “Neck pain”, without language and date restrictions.

Results:

Of a total of 73 identified studies, two were included herein since they fulfilled the eligibility criteria (at least one intervention group applying Pilates), where we evaluated the methodological quality by the Downs and Black scale and evidence strength with the Best Evidence Synthesis. Pain and disability decreased from the sixth session, with gradual improvement in up to 24 sessions.

Conclusion:

Few studies are available using Pilates to decrease pain, and moderate evidence exists of positive Pilates effects on pain and function in patients with neck pain.

Keywords:
Neck Pain; Pilates; Exercise Therapy; Systematic Review

Study, Year	Study type	Sample data	Intervention	Evaluation	Results
Dunleavy et al.¹⁷17 Dunleavy K, Kava K, Goldberg A, Malek MH, Talley SA, Tutag-Lehr V, et al. Comparative effectiveness of Pilates and yoga group exercise interventions for chronic mechanical neck pain: quasi-randomised parallel controlled study. Physiotherapy. 2016;102(3):236-42.	NRCT	Chronic neck pain	Duration and Frequency: 12 weeks, once a week (60 min)	- Evaluations: weeks 0, 6, 12 and 18	- NDI: ↓ in the Pilates and Yoga groups at week 12;
		N = 56	Pilates group: Pilates exercises on the ground	- Functional incapacity (NDI - Neck Disability Index)	- NRS: ↓ in average pain in the 12th week compared to the 6th week in the Pilates group; ↔ pain in the upper limb; and ↓ pain in sustained activity from the 6th week in the Pilates and Yoga groups;
		(49 women and 7 men; age 55.6 ± 9)	Yoga group: Adapted Yoga exercises	- Pain Intensity Evaluation (NRS - Numeric pain rating scale)	- No difference comparing results from weeks 12 and 18.
		Pilates group: n = 20	Control group: no intervention
		Yoga group: n = 19
		Control group: n = 17
Cazotti et al.²⁷27 Cazotti LA, Jones A, Silva DR, Ribeiro LHC, Natour J. Effectiveness of Pilates Method for the treatment of chronic mechanical neck pain. Arthritis Rheum. 2013;65:S776-7.	RCT	Chronic neck pain n = 64	Duration and Frequency: 12 weeks, twice a week	- Evaluations: pre-intervention, and after 45, 90 and 180 days	- The Pilates group, in comparison to the control group, presented improvement of pain and functionality.
		(age 18-65)	Pilates group: Pilates exercises and drug maintenance	- Functional incapacity (NDI - Neck Disability Index)
		Pilates group: n = 32	Control group: drug maintenance only	- Pain Intensity Evaluation (AVS - Analogic visual scale)
		Control group: n = 32

SCALE ITEM		INCLUDED STUDIES
SCALE ITEM		Dunleavy et al.¹⁷17 Dunleavy K, Kava K, Goldberg A, Malek MH, Talley SA, Tutag-Lehr V, et al. Comparative effectiveness of Pilates and yoga group exercise interventions for chronic mechanical neck pain: quasi-randomised parallel controlled study. Physiotherapy. 2016;102(3):236-42.	Cazotti et al.²⁷27 Cazotti LA, Jones A, Silva DR, Ribeiro LHC, Natour J. Effectiveness of Pilates Method for the treatment of chronic mechanical neck pain. Arthritis Rheum. 2013;65:S776-7.
1	Clear hypothesis/objective	1	1
2	Measured Outcomes	1	1
3	Characteristics of the individuals included	1	1
4	Interventions	1	1
5	Distribution of the confusion factors	1	1
6	Findings and conclusions	1	0
7	Variability estimates	1	0
8	Adverse effects	0	0
9	Characteristics of lost individuals	1	0
10	Confidence intervals and p values	1	1
11	Individuals representative of the population	0	0
12	Representative % of individuals	0	0
13	Representative team and location	1	0
15	Evaluator blinding	0	1
16	Data dredging	1	1
17	Analyses adjusted over time	1	1
18	Adequate statistical tests	1	1
19	Adherence to the intervention	1	1
20	Accurate outcome measurement	1	0
21	Individuals from groups recruited from the same population	1	0
22	Individuals recruited during the same period	1	0
23	Randomized individuals	0	1
25	Adjustment of the confusion factors	0	0
26	Losses taken into account	1	0
27	Power of the study	5	0
	Total	23	12

Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná Rua Imaculada Conceição, 1155 - Prado-Velho -, Curitiba - PR - CEP 80215-901, Telefone: (41) 3271-1608 - Curitiba - PR - Brazil
E-mail: revista.fisioterapia@pucpr.br

Stay informed of issues for this journal through your RSS reader

[1] *NFC: BS, e-mail: nataliacemin@gmail.com

#1	"Pilates"
#2	"Neck Pain"[Mesh] OR "Neck Pain"
#3	#1 AND #2