| The Effect of Eight Weeks of Aquatic Pilates Exercises on Psychological Factors and Balance in Women with Chronic Low Back Pain |
| Paper ID : 1559-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
|
zeinab rabiei *, Mohammad Hossein Rezvani, navid kalani Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Faculty of Physical Education, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Background and Purpose: Chronic low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders among women, which, in addition to physical limitations, can lead to decreased cognitive abilities and balance impairments. Considering the physical properties of the aquatic environment and the mind-centered nature of Pilates exercises, it seems that these exercises can be effective in improving such problems. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of aquatic Pilates exercises on psychological performance (visual memory and general memory) and balance in women with chronic low back pain. Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with a control group. Forty women with chronic low back pain (aged 35–45 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (aquatic Pilates, n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). The experimental group performed aquatic Pilates exercises for eight weeks, two 60-minute sessions per week. The Kim-Karad test (for visual memory), Wechsler Memory Scale, stork stand test (for static balance), and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test (for dynamic balance) were used for assessments. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The findings revealed that aquatic Pilates exercises significantly improved visual memory, general memory, static balance, and dynamic balance in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Eight weeks of aquatic Pilates exercises can be used as a safe and effective non-pharmacological approach to enhance cognitive abilities and balance in women with chronic low back pain. The supportive properties of water, along with Pilates’ emphasis on mind–body integration, make this method a suitable option for the rehabilitation of patients with chronic low back pain. |
| Keywords |
| Aquatic Pilates, Chronic Low Back Pain, Psychological Performance, Visual Memory |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
