Effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercises versus pilates exercises on postnatal low back pain

Introduction:
Postpartum women are frequently affected by low back pain. This is a global health concern resulting in a variety of adverse health outcomes, including difficulties with walking, working, sleeping, and mood regulation. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercises with Pilates exercises on relieving postnatal low back pain.

Material and methods:
This randomized controlled trial was implemented between February 2024 to June 2024 at Kasr El Ainy Hospital. The study included 60 women aged between 25 and 35 years complaining of postnatal low back pain, with a body mass index of no more than 30 kg/m2. All participants were three months postnatal, with parity ranging from one to three. The participants were randomly divided into two equal groups of 30. Group A received progressive muscle relaxation exercises, and Group B received Pilates exercises, as three weekly sessions for four weeks. Pain pressure threshold (PPT) was assessed with a pressure algometer and functional disability and quality of life with the Oswestry disability index (ODI) for all woman in both groups (A & B), before and after treatment.

Results:
Both groups showed significant within-group improvements in all measures post-treatment (p < 0.05). Significantly greater improvement following treatment was noted in Group B (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:
Pilates exercises achieve better results than progressive muscle relaxation exercises in treating postnatal low back pain.