Effects of pilates training on functionality and quality of life in patients with chronic neck pain

Objective: It is known that chronic neck pain causes functional disability; however, there is limited research on the effect of Pilates training in functionality and quality of life.The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Pilates exercises on functionality and quality of life in patients with chronic neck pain. Method: Pain, disability, grip strength, hand dexterity, postural control, physical activity and quality of life were evaluated inthirty-six patients with chronic neck pain. Patients were randomly divided into Pilates and home exercise group. Patients underwent eight-week exercise training and all assessments were repeatedbefore and after exercises at the (8th week) and 12th week. Results: While both treatment methods had similar effect to decrease pain and disability and also increase hand dexterity and grip strength in short and long term, Pilates exercises are found more efficient than home exercises to decrease pain and disability, to increase physical activity and quality of life (p<0.05). There was no superiority in terms of contributing to the improvement of postural control between Pilates exercises and home exercises in the long term (p>0.05). Conclusion:Pilates exercises is more effective than home exercises in reducingpain and disability, increasing physical activity and quality of life both in the short and long-term.Both exercise methods have same effect to improve postural control. More studies are needed to compare the efficiency of Pilates exercises and different exercise interventions on this issue. Key Words:pilates exercises, postural control, physical activity, chronic neck pain