Chronic Non-Specific Low Back PainNCT07905391
McGill Stabilization Exercises Versus Pilates for Chronic Low Back Pain
A study testing McGill Stabilization Exercises and Pilates in people with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain, run by University of Management and Technology Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effects of McGill Stabilization Exercises and Pilates on pain, muscle thickness, lumbar flexibility, and disability in adults aged 30-50 years with chronic non-specific low back pain. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 30 to 50 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain
- What is being tested?
- McGill Stabilization Exercises and Pilates
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 23 Oct 2026to 31 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 30 to 50 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Both Male and Female Age 30 to 50 years Diagnosed CNLBP patients with pain for ≥ 3 Months Pain intensity 3 to 6 points on the 10-point pain scale(NPRS) Pain localized between 12th Rib and gluteal fold with no history of radiation to the lower limbs
Who cannot join
- History of trauma or fractures of the spine Diagnosed spine osteoarthritis, disc herniation, or spondylolisthesis Low back pain due to systemic illness (e.g. visceral, appendicitis, abdominal and pelvic surgeries) Previous spinal surgery Nerve root symptoms (e.g. sciatica and cauda equine syndrome) Pregnancy. Received Pilates or physiotherapy treatment in the last 3 months.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site
UMT
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
Sidra Ali, MSPTOM, 03054748336, sidraali@umt.edu.pk
Rabia Jawa Chairperson of the Department, Mphil, +923434570838, Rabia.Jawa@umt.edu.pk
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of McGill Stabilization Exercises and Pilates on Pain, Muscle Thickness, Flexibility and Disability in Patients With Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain.
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effects of McGill Stabilization Exercises and Pilates on pain, muscle thickness, lumbar flexibility, and disability in adults aged 30-50 years with chronic non-specific low back pain.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Read more
- Do McGill Stabilization Exercises and Pilates reduce pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain?
- Do these interventions improve lumbar flexibility and transversus abdominis muscle thickness? Researchers will compare the McGill Stabilization Exercises group with the Pilates group to determine which intervention produces greater improvements in pain, muscle thickness, lumbar flexibility, and disability.
Participants will:
- Receive either McGill Stabilization Exercises or Pilates, according to their assigned study group.
- Receive transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and hot-pack therapy before the exercise intervention.
- Attend treatment sessions twice weekly for six weeks, for a total of 12 sessions.
- Complete assessments of pain intensity, disability, lumbar flexibility, and transversus abdominis muscle thickness at baseline and after six weeks.
Read the detailed description
Chronic non-specific low back pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that can affect daily activities, physical function, and quality of life. Exercise-based rehabilitation is frequently used to manage this condition. McGill Stabilization Exercises focus on improving trunk stability and muscular endurance, while Pilates emphasizes controlled movement, core muscle activation, and postural control.
Both approaches may help reduce pain and disability and improve lumbar flexibility and abdominal muscle function. However, their comparative effects on these outcomes in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain require further investigation.
This study will compare McGill Stabilization Exercises and Pilates to evaluate their effects on pain intensity, disability, lumbar flexibility, and transversus abdominis muscle thickness. The findings may help inform physiotherapy treatment decisions and support the selection of appropriate exercise-based rehabilitation strategies for patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.
- Conditions
- Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain
- Being tested
- McGill Stabilization Exercises, Pilates
- Keywords
- Non-Specific Low Back Pain, McGill Stabilization Exercises, Pilates, Disability
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
McGill Stabilization ExercisesOther
Participants will receive a 45-minute treatment session consisting of 20 minutes of McGill stabilization exercises and 25 minutes of conventional physiotherapy. The exercise programme will begin with a warm-up comprising five exercises: back awareness, pelvic tilts, lumbar rotation, arm movements, and whole-body movements in standing. Participants will perform five sets of each exercise during the second week, with the number of sets progressively increased to ten by the fourth week.
PilatesOther
After baseline assessments, participants will underwent supervised Pilates sessions lasting approximately 60 minutes, twice weekly for six weeks, in small groups of two to three.
Exercise intensity was progressively advanced after three weeks based on participants' performance and ability to maintain proper Pilates technique. Progression included modifying body positions and introducing an exercise ball and resistance band. The number of repetitions was also increased, reaching 20 repetitions by the fourth week.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| McGill Stabilization Exercises | Experimental | Participants will receive a 45-minute treatment session consisting of 20 minutes of McGill stabilization exercises and 25 minutes of conventional physiotherapy. The exercise programme will begin with a warm-up comprising five exercises: back awareness, pelvic tilts, lumbar rotation, arm movements, and whole-body movements in standing. Participants will perform five sets of each exercise during the second week, with the number of sets progressively increased to ten by the fourth week. Receives: Other: McGill Stabilization Exercises |
| Pilates | Active comparator | minutes, twice weekly for six weeks, in small groups of two to three. Before starting the intervention, participants attended an introductory session to learn the basic Pilates exercises and principles, including breathing, concentration, centering, control, precision, and rhythm. They were instructed to apply these principles throughout each session.
The physiotherapist demonstrated each exercise and supervised its performance, providing verbal instructions and corrective feedback when necessary. Exercise intensity was progressively advanced after three weeks based on participants' performance and ability to maintain proper Pilates technique. Progression included modifying body positions and introducing an exercise ball and resistance band. The number of repetitions was also increased, reaching 20 repetitions by the fourth week. Receives: Other: Pilates |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numeric pain Rating Scale
The 11-point Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a commonly used tool for assessing the intensity of pain. Participants are asked to rate their pain on a scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 represents the worst possible pain. Participants rate the intensity of pain experienced on the day of assessment.
Measured: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Modified Modified Schober Test (MMST)
The Modified Modified Schober Test (MMST) is a clinical measurement tool used to assess lumbar spine flexibility and mobility. The measurement is performed with the participant standing upright. The examiner palpates the lower border of the posterior superior iliac spines (PSIS), marks the identified point, and draws a horizontal line across the skin through both PSIS landmarks and the midline of the lumbar spine. A second horizontal mark is made 15 cm above the first mark using a measuring tape.
The participant is then instructed to bend forward as far as comfortably possible, keeping the knees extended and avoiding painful movement. The examiner measures the distance between the two marks in the upright and forward-flexed positions. The difference between these measurements indicates lumbar flexion mobility, with a greater increase in distance suggesting greater lumbar flexibility. An increase of less than 5 cm is considered indicative of restricted lumbar mobility.
Measured: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Modified Oswestry Disability Index
Disability will be assessed using the Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI), a modified version of the original Oswestry Disability Index. In this version, the section on sexual activity is replaced with questions related to employment and homemaking abilities, as the sexual activity section is frequently left unanswered. The MODI score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater disability. Scores are classified as minimal disability (0-20), moderate disability (21-40), severe disability (41-60), crippling disability (61-80), and bed-bound disability (81-100).
Measured: Baseline and after 6 weeks
MSK Ultrasound
Musculoskeletal ultrasonography will be used to assess transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle thickness using an ultrasound device equipped with a high-frequency linear array transducer (7.5-14 MHz). The probe will be positioned perpendicular to the muscle at the midpoint of the line connecting the iliac crest to the inferior angle of the last rib. Muscle thickness will be measured using a perpendicular caliper placed between the superficial and deep hyperechoic fascial borders. Three measurements will be obtained, and their average will be used for statistical analysis.
Measured: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Oct 2026
- Study start23 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Chronic Non-Specific Low Back PainStudies 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 (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Management and Technology Lahore
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Sidra Ali, University of Management and Technology Lahore
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07905391
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RE-186-2026
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 22 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 29 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: The results data collected , de-identified individual participant data will be shared.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of McGill Stabilization Exercises and Pilates on Pain, Muscle Thickness, Flexibility and Disability in Patients With Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07905391
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RE-186-2026
- Conditions
- Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain
- Keywords
- Non-Specific Low Back Pain, McGill Stabilization Exercises, Pilates, Disability
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Management and Technology LahoreUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 23 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 29 Oct 2026 (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 goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effects of McGill Stabilization Exercises and Pilates on pain, muscle thickness, lumbar flexibility, and disability in adults aged 30-50 years with chronic non-specific low back pain.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Do McGill Stabilization Exercises and Pilates reduce pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain?
- Do these interventions improve lumbar flexibility and transversus abdominis muscle thickness? Researchers will compare the McGill Stabilization Exercises group with the Pilates group to determine which intervention produces greater improvements in pain, muscle thickness, lumbar flexibility, and disability.
Participants will:
- Receive either McGill Stabilization Exercises or Pilates, according to their assigned study group.
- Receive transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and hot-pack therapy before the exercise intervention.
- Attend treatment sessions twice weekly for six weeks, for a total of 12 sessions.
- Complete assessments of pain intensity, disability, lumbar flexibility, and transversus abdominis muscle thickness at baseline and after six weeks.
Detailed description
Chronic non-specific low back pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that can affect daily activities, physical function, and quality of life. Exercise-based rehabilitation is frequently used to manage this condition. McGill Stabilization Exercises focus on improving trunk stability and muscular endurance, while Pilates emphasizes controlled movement, core muscle activation, and postural control.
Both approaches may help reduce pain and disability and improve lumbar flexibility and abdominal muscle function. However, their comparative effects on these outcomes in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain require further investigation.
This study will compare McGill Stabilization Exercises and Pilates to evaluate their effects on pain intensity, disability, lumbar flexibility, and transversus abdominis muscle thickness. The findings may help inform physiotherapy treatment decisions and support the selection of appropriate exercise-based rehabilitation strategies for patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| McGill Stabilization Exercises | Experimental | Other: McGill Stabilization ExercisesParticipants will receive a 45-minute treatment session consisting of 20 minutes of McGill stabilization exercises and 25 minutes of conventional physiotherapy. The exercise programme will begin with a warm-up comprising five exercises: back awareness, pelvic tilts, lumbar rotation, arm movements, and whole-body movements in standing. Participants will perform five sets of each exercise during the second week, with the number of sets progressively increased to ten by the fourth week. |
| Pilates | Active comparator | Other: Pilatesminutes, twice weekly for six weeks, in small groups of two to three. Before starting the intervention, participants attended an introductory session to learn the basic Pilates exercises and principles, including breathing, concentration, centering, control, precision, and rhythm. They were instructed to apply these principles throughout each session. The physiotherapist demonstrated each exercise and supervised its performance, providing verbal instructions and corrective feedback when necessary. Exercise intensity was progressively advanced after three weeks based on participants' performance and ability to maintain proper Pilates technique. Progression included modifying body positions and introducing an exercise ball and resistance band. The number of repetitions was also increased, reaching 20 repetitions by the fourth week. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 30 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Both Male and Female Age 30 to 50 years Diagnosed CNLBP patients with pain for ≥ 3 Months Pain intensity 3 to 6 points on the 10-point pain scale(NPRS) Pain localized between 12th Rib and gluteal fold with no history of radiation to the lower limbs
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- History of trauma or fractures of the spine Diagnosed spine osteoarthritis, disc herniation, or spondylolisthesis Low back pain due to systemic illness (e.g. visceral, appendicitis, abdominal and pelvic surgeries) Previous spinal surgery Nerve root symptoms (e.g. sciatica and cauda equine syndrome) Pregnancy. Received Pilates or physiotherapy treatment in the last 3 months.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| McGill Stabilization ExercisesParticipants will receive a 45-minute treatment session consisting of 20 minutes of McGill stabilization exercises and 25 minutes of conventional physiotherapy. The exercise programme will begin with a warm-up comprising five exercises: back awareness, pelvic tilts, lumbar rotation, arm movements, and whole-body movements in standing. Participants will perform five sets of each exercise during the second week, with the number of sets progressively increased to ten by the fourth week. | Other | McGill Stabilization Exercises |
| PilatesAfter baseline assessments, participants will underwent supervised Pilates sessions lasting approximately 60 minutes, twice weekly for six weeks, in small groups of two to three. Exercise intensity was progressively advanced after three weeks based on participants' performance and ability to maintain proper Pilates technique. Progression included modifying body positions and introducing an exercise ball and resistance band. The number of repetitions was also increased, reaching 20 repetitions by the fourth week. | Other | Pilates |
Primary outcome
Numeric pain Rating Scale
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
The 11-point Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a commonly used tool for assessing the intensity of pain. Participants are asked to rate their pain on a scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 represents the worst possible pain. Participants rate the intensity of pain experienced on the day of assessment.
Modified Modified Schober Test (MMST)
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
The Modified Modified Schober Test (MMST) is a clinical measurement tool used to assess lumbar spine flexibility and mobility. The measurement is performed with the participant standing upright. The examiner palpates the lower border of the posterior superior iliac spines (PSIS), marks the identified point, and draws a horizontal line across the skin through both PSIS landmarks and the midline of the lumbar spine. A second horizontal mark is made 15 cm above the first mark using a measuring tape. The participant is then instructed to bend forward as far as comfortably possible, keeping the knees extended and avoiding painful movement. The examiner measures the distance between the two marks in the upright and forward-flexed positions. The difference between these measurements indicates lumbar flexion mobility, with a greater increase in distance suggesting greater lumbar flexibility. An increase of less than 5 cm is considered indicative of restricted lumbar mobility.
Modified Oswestry Disability Index
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Disability will be assessed using the Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI), a modified version of the original Oswestry Disability Index. In this version, the section on sexual activity is replaced with questions related to employment and homemaking abilities, as the sexual activity section is frequently left unanswered. The MODI score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater disability. Scores are classified as minimal disability (0-20), moderate disability (21-40), severe disability (41-60), crippling disability (61-80), and bed-bound disability (81-100).
MSK Ultrasound
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Musculoskeletal ultrasonography will be used to assess transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle thickness using an ultrasound device equipped with a high-frequency linear array transducer (7.5-14 MHz). The probe will be positioned perpendicular to the muscle at the midpoint of the line connecting the iliac crest to the inferior angle of the last rib. Muscle thickness will be measured using a perpendicular caliper placed between the superficial and deep hyperechoic fascial borders. Three measurements will be obtained, and their average will be used for statistical analysis.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 29 Oct 2026.
- Comparison of different exercises on muscle thickness, pain, and disability in patients with low back pain: A randomized controlled studyLink provided by the sponsor.
- Transversus Abdominis Ultrasound Thickness during Popular Trunk-Pilates Exercises in Young and Middle-Aged WomenLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. The results data collected , de-identified individual participant data will be shared.
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing McGill Stabilization Exercises and Pilates in people with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain, run by University of Management and Technology Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 1 inclusion and 1 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 Oct 2026. 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 Pakistan. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Each site lists its own contact: choose the nearest one under Trial locations. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Numeric pain Rating Scale (time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 Oct 2026.