Comparison of Pilates exercises versus muscle energy technique with Kinesio taping in non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of Pilates exercise versus muscle energy technique (MET) along with Kinesio taping (KT) in non-specific low back pain (LBP). METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted from March 22 to September 14, 2022, at Chaudhry Muhammad Akram Research and Teaching Hospital, Johar Medicare Complex in Johar Town, Lahore, and Mayo Hospital and Jinnah Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Study involved 42 non-specific LBP patients randomly assigned to group A (MET with KT) and group B (Pilates exercise with KT) over eight weeks after interventions. Pain, disability index, and range of motion (ROM) were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Sessions were held twice a week, lasting 30-40 minutes each. RESULTS: Among 42 participants, 14 (33.3%) were male, and 28 (66.7%) were female, aged 18-40 years. Group B showed greater pain reduction than group A (p<0.05). In group A, lumbar extension (p=0.10), lumbar rotation (0.18), right side flexion (0.02), and left side flexion (0.16) did not significantly improve. However, group B demonstrated improvements in flexion (0.04), extension (0.00), rotation (0.06), right side flexion (0.04), and left side flexion (0.08). The pain and disability improvement between groups exhibited a significant difference (p<0.05). ROM improvement also differed between groups (p<0.05), with group B showing dominant improvement. CONCLUSION: Pilates exercise, combined with KT, demonstrated superior reduction in pain and improved range of motion compared to muscle energy technique with KT in non-specific low back pain. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT05352360