• Juliana Limba da Fonseca, Marcio Magini, and Thais Helena de Freitas.
• Doctoral student in Biomedical Engineering at Paraiba Valley University, Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil.
• J Sport Rehabil. 2009 May 1;18(2):269-82.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of pain on vertical ground-reaction force (VGRF) in patients with low back problems and the effect of the Pilates method on the gait of these patients.DesignA single-blind randomized controlled trial.Participants28 individuals assigned to a control group (n = 11) and a low-back group (n = 17), the latter of which was subdivided into a Pilates group (n = 8) and a no-Pilates group (n = 9).InterventionThe Pilates group undertook 15 sessions of Pilates.Main Outcome MeasuresThe VGRF parameters were recorded during preferred and faster walking speeds. The data were collected before and after the intervention.ResultsThe weight-acceptance rate and push-off rate were significantly less in the right lower limb of low-back group than of the control group at preferred speed. Improvements were seen in the Pilates group postintervention, with increased middle-support force for the left lower limb at faster walking speed and decreased pain; this did not occur in the no-Pilates group.ConclusionsThese results suggest that patients with low back pain use strategies to attenuate the amount of force imposed on their body. The Pilates method can improve weight discharge in gait and reduce pain compared with no intervention.

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