Disc HerniationNCT07261020
The Effectiveness of Pilates in Women With Lumbar Disc Herniation
A study testing mat pilates and reformer pilates in people with Disc Herniation and Kinesiophobia, run by Uskudar University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The aim of the study was to compare the effects of reformer pilates and mat exercise on pain, quality of life and kinesiophobia in female patients with lumbar disc herniation. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 60 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Disc Herniation, Kinesiophobia, Low Back Pain
- What is being tested?
- mat pilates and reformer pilates
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 5 Jan 2024to 10 May 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 25 to 60 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Being between 25 and 60 years of age
- Having been diagnosed with a lumbar disc herniation
- Having agreed to participate in the study
Who cannot join
- Being outside the specified age limits
- Having an orthopedic, neurological, or other condition that prevents exercise
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Fone Physio Healthy Living Center
Istanbul, Kadıköy
About this study
Official title: Comparison of the Effects of Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates on Certain Physical and Functional Parameters in Women With Lumbar Disc Herniation
The aim of the study was to compare the effects of reformer pilates and mat exercise on pain, quality of life and kinesiophobia in female patients with lumbar disc herniation.
Read the detailed description
The study began with patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation. Individuals were invited to participate based on inclusion criteria. Exclusion criteria were used to exclude individuals. Individuals were evaluated twice in this study. Treatment methods were applied. Mat Pilates was applied to one of the diagnosed groups, and reformer Pilates was applied to the other. Twenty participants were assigned to the mat Pilates group and 20 to the equipment Pilates group. A total of 40 patients participated. Pre- and post-treatment assessments were conducted using the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale, Short Form Quality of Life Scale, and Visual Analog Scale.
- Conditions
- Disc Herniation, Kinesiophobia, Low Back Pain
- Being tested
- mat pilates, reformer pilates
- Medical subject headings
- Intervertebral Disc Displacement, Kinesiophobia, Low Back Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
mat pilatesOther
The mat pilates group was given an exercise program consisting of 16 sessions, 2 days a week, for 8 weeks. All exercises were performed as one set of 15 repetitions for the first 2 weeks, 15 repetitions for the 3rd and 4th weeks, and 15 repetitions for the 5th and 6th weeks, with 20 repetitions for the final 2 weeks. Exercise intensity (number of repetitions and level of movement) was gradually increased. Priority was given to core muscles when selecting exercises. The aim was to work the transversus abdominis, multifidus, and gluteus muscles both eccentrically and concentrically, while maintaining spinal stabilization and fostering awareness during movement. The exercise protocol was performed twice a week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting 45 minutes.
reformer pilatesOther
The Reformer Pilates group was assigned an exercise program consisting of 16 sessions, 2 days a week, for 8 weeks. All exercises were performed as one set of 15 repetitions for the first 2 weeks, 15 repetitions for the 3rd and 4th weeks, and 20 repetitions for the 5th and 6th weeks. Exercise intensity (number of repetitions and level of movement) was gradually increased. Priority was given to core muscles when selecting exercises. The aim was to work the transversus abdominis, multifidus, and gluteus muscles both eccentrically and concentrically, while maintaining spinal stabilization and fostering awareness during movement. The exercise protocol consisted of 45-minute sessions, 2 days a week, for 8 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| mat exercise group | Experimental | mat pilates exercise Receives: Other: mat pilates |
| reformer exercise group | Experimental | reformer pilates exercise Receives: Other: reformer pilates |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
quality of life scale short form
The scale assessing quality of life consists of 36 questions. It rates health on a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 indicating poor health and 100 indicating good health.
Measured: 10 weeks
Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale
The scale consists of 17 questions. It includes parameters for injury/re-injury and fear-avoidance in work-related activities. Each question is scored using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 4 = strongly agree). A total score is calculated by reverse-scoring questions 4, 8, 12, and 16. A higher score is interpreted as indicating a higher level of kinesiophobia.
Measured: 10 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted3 Dec 2025
- Study start5 Jan 2024
- Primary completion15 Mar 2024
- Study completion10 May 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Disc HerniationStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Uskudar University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Doç.Dr.Ömer Şevgin, Uskudar University
- Investigators
- Ayça Bilgi, Study chair, Uskudar University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07261020
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Uskudar77
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 21 Nov 2025
- Last updated
- 29 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Franks J, Thwaites C, Morris ME. Pilates to Improve Core Muscle Activation in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2023 May 12;11(10):1404. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11101404.
PubMed 37239690Li Y, Yan L, Hou L, Zhang X, Zhao H, Yan C, Li X, Li Y, Chen X, Ding X. Exercise intervention for patients with chronic low back pain: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Front Public Health. 2023 Nov 17;11:1155225. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1155225. eCollection 2023.
PubMed 38035307Fernandez-Rodriguez R, Alvarez-Bueno C, Cavero-Redondo I, Torres-Costoso A, Pozuelo-Carrascosa DP, Reina-Gutierrez S, Pascual-Morena C, Martinez-Vizcaino V. Best Exercise Options for Reducing Pain and Disability in Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain: Pilates, Strength, Core-Based, and Mind-Body. A Network Meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022 Aug;52(8):505-521. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2022.10671. Epub 2022 Jun 19.
PubMed 35722759
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of the Effects of Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates on Certain Physical and Functional Parameters in Women With Lumbar Disc Herniation
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07261020
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Uskudar77
- Conditions
- Disc Herniation, Kinesiophobia, Low Back Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Uskudar UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 Jan 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Mar 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 May 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 3 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The aim of the study was to compare the effects of reformer pilates and mat exercise on pain, quality of life and kinesiophobia in female patients with lumbar disc herniation.
Detailed description
The study began with patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation. Individuals were invited to participate based on inclusion criteria. Exclusion criteria were used to exclude individuals. Individuals were evaluated twice in this study. Treatment methods were applied. Mat Pilates was applied to one of the diagnosed groups, and reformer Pilates was applied to the other. Twenty participants were assigned to the mat Pilates group and 20 to the equipment Pilates group. A total of 40 patients participated. Pre- and post-treatment assessments were conducted using the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale, Short Form Quality of Life Scale, and Visual Analog Scale.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| mat exercise group | Experimental | Other: mat pilatesmat pilates exercise |
| reformer exercise group | Experimental | Other: reformer pilatesreformer pilates exercise |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 60 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Being between 25 and 60 years of age
- Having been diagnosed with a lumbar disc herniation
- Having agreed to participate in the study
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Being outside the specified age limits
- Having an orthopedic, neurological, or other condition that prevents exercise
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| mat pilatesThe mat pilates group was given an exercise program consisting of 16 sessions, 2 days a week, for 8 weeks. All exercises were performed as one set of 15 repetitions for the first 2 weeks, 15 repetitions for the 3rd and 4th weeks, and 15 repetitions for the 5th and 6th weeks, with 20 repetitions for the final 2 weeks. Exercise intensity (number of repetitions and level of movement) was gradually increased. Priority was given to core muscles when selecting exercises. The aim was to work the transversus abdominis, multifidus, and gluteus muscles both eccentrically and concentrically, while maintaining spinal stabilization and fostering awareness during movement. The exercise protocol was performed twice a week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting 45 minutes. | Other | mat exercise group |
| reformer pilatesThe Reformer Pilates group was assigned an exercise program consisting of 16 sessions, 2 days a week, for 8 weeks. All exercises were performed as one set of 15 repetitions for the first 2 weeks, 15 repetitions for the 3rd and 4th weeks, and 20 repetitions for the 5th and 6th weeks. Exercise intensity (number of repetitions and level of movement) was gradually increased. Priority was given to core muscles when selecting exercises. The aim was to work the transversus abdominis, multifidus, and gluteus muscles both eccentrically and concentrically, while maintaining spinal stabilization and fostering awareness during movement. The exercise protocol consisted of 45-minute sessions, 2 days a week, for 8 weeks. | Other | reformer exercise group |
Primary outcome
quality of life scale short form
Time frame: 10 weeks
The scale assessing quality of life consists of 36 questions. It rates health on a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 indicating poor health and 100 indicating good health.
Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale
Time frame: 10 weeks
The scale consists of 17 questions. It includes parameters for injury/re-injury and fear-avoidance in work-related activities. Each question is scored using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 4 = strongly agree). A total score is calculated by reverse-scoring questions 4, 8, 12, and 16. A higher score is interpreted as indicating a higher level of kinesiophobia.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 29 Dec 2025.
- Background: PubMed 37239690Franks J, Thwaites C, Morris ME. Pilates to Improve Core Muscle Activation in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2023 May 12;11(10):1404. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11101404.
- Background: PubMed 38035307Li Y, Yan L, Hou L, Zhang X, Zhao H, Yan C, Li X, Li Y, Chen X, Ding X. Exercise intervention for patients with chronic low back pain: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Front Public Health. 2023 Nov 17;11:1155225. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1155225. eCollection 2023.
- Background: PubMed 35722759Fernandez-Rodriguez R, Alvarez-Bueno C, Cavero-Redondo I, Torres-Costoso A, Pozuelo-Carrascosa DP, Reina-Gutierrez S, Pascual-Morena C, Martinez-Vizcaino V. Best Exercise Options for Reducing Pain and Disability in Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain: Pilates, Strength, Core-Based, and Mind-Body. A Network Meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022 Aug;52(8):505-521. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2022.10671. Epub 2022 Jun 19.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Ayça Bilgi study chair
Uskudar University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing mat pilates and reformer pilates in people with Disc Herniation and Kinesiophobia, run by Uskudar University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
quality of life scale short form (time frame: 10 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07261020, which also lists 3 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 29 Dec 2025.