title: Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Different Weekly Frequencies of Pilates for Chronic Low Back Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial.
abstract: The Pilates method has been recommended to patients with low back pain, but the evidence on effectiveness is inconclusive. In addition, there is still no evidence for the cost-effectiveness of this method or for the ideal number of sessions to achieve the highest effectiveness.
  
  
  
  The aim of this study will be to investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Pilates method with different weekly frequencies in the treatment of patients with nonspecific low back pain.
  
  
  
  This is a randomized controlled trial with blinded assessor.
  
  
  
  This study will be conducted at a physical therapy clinic in São Paulo, Brazil.
  
  
  
  Two hundred ninety-six patients with nonspecific low back pain between the ages of 18 and 80 years will be assessed and randomly allocated to 4 groups (n=74 patients per group).
  
  
  
  All groups will receive an educational booklet. The booklet group will not receive additional exercises. Pilates group 1 will follow a Pilates-based program once a week, Pilates group 2 will follow the same program twice a week, and Pilates group 3 will follow the same program 3 times a week. The intervention will last 6 weeks.
  
  
  
  A blinded assessor will evaluate pain, quality-adjusted life-years, general and specific disability, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, and global perceived effect 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after randomization.
  
  
  
  Therapists and patients will not be blinded.
  
  
  
  This will be the first study to investigate different weekly frequencies of treatment sessions for nonspecific low back pain. The results of this study will contribute to a better definition of treatment programs for this population.
authors: G.C. Miyamoto, PT, Master's and Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: Gisela Cristiane
authors: GC
authors: Miyamoto
authors: K.F. Moura, PT, Master's and Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo.
authors: Katherinne Ferro
authors: KF
authors: Moura
authors: Y.R.S. Franco, PT, Master's and Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo.
authors: Yuri Rafael dos Santos
authors: YR
authors: Franco
authors: N.T.B. Oliveira, PT, Master's and Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo.
authors: Naiane Teixeira Bastos de
authors: NT
authors: Oliveira
authors: D.D.V. Amaral, Master's and Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo.
authors: Diego Diulgeroglo Vicco
authors: DD
authors: Amaral
authors: A.N.C. Branco, Master's and Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo.
authors: Amanda Nery Castelo
authors: AN
authors: Branco
authors: M.L. Silva, Master's and Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo.
authors: Maria Liliane da
authors: ML
authors: Silva
authors: C. Lin, PT, PhD, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors: Christine
authors: C
authors: Lin
authors: C.M.N. Cabral, PT, PhD, Master's and Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, Rua Cesário Galeno 475, Tatuapé, São Paulo, Brazil, CEP 03071-000. cristina.cabral@unicid.edu.br.
authors: Cristina Maria Nunes
authors: CM
authors: Cabral
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil; D058443:Catastrophization; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D026241:Exercise Movement Techniques / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D016896:Treatment Outcome