Restoration of Sensorimotor Function in Middle-Aged Women With Chronic Lumbar Disc Herniation: The Effect of Pilates on Proprioception, Tibialis Anterior Strength, and Dynamic Balance

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Pilates Exercise: Pİlates Group: 8-week Pilates exercise program

Study summary

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of core stabilization-focused Pilates exercises on sensorimotor function in middle-aged women diagnosed with chronic lumbar disc herniation (LDH). A total of 30 women who continue their normal daily activities and meet the inclusion criteria will be included in the study, with 15 participants in the treatment group and 15 in the control group. The study will involve an exercise intervention protocol consisting of Pilates exercises requiring full participation over an 8-week period.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Proprioceptive Sense/Joint Position Sense — From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
  Ankle joint position sense will be assessed to evaluate proprioceptive function. The assessment will be performed in a standing position. Reflective markers will be placed on anatomical landmarks used as pivot points for goniometric measurement of the ankle, and participants' feet will be labeled with their names to prevent any confusion. Participants will be asked to transfer their body weight onto one leg. During this, on the side to be measured, they will be instructed to maintain a position with the hip at 30° flexion and the knee at 60° flexion, lightly touching the ground with the toes. Two rigid devices providing 0° and 10° angles at the ankle joint will be used. The ankle will be positioned at the target angle using these devices, and the participant will be asked to hold this position for 5 seconds. Afterward, the foot will be returned to the initial position. Participants will then be asked to look straight ahead and actively reproduce the same ankle position, at which poi
• Tibialis Anterior Muscle Test — "From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks"
  The strength of the tibialis anterior muscle will be measured using the Lafayette Muscle Testing device (Model 01165, FDA Medical, Canada). The test will be conducted in a seated position. Prior to the assessment, participants will be informed about the procedure, and similar to manual muscle testing, they will be asked to pull their ankle toward themselves with maximum effort.
• Functional Reach Test — From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
  This test is a practically applicable assessment and is preferred in many studies for evaluating dynamic balance. The only requirements for its administration are a measuring tape and sufficient space.
• Time Up Go Test — From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
  Before the test, participants will be informed about the procedure and the test will be demonstrated. Upon the "start" command, the participant will be asked to rise from a chair, walk around a target placed 3 meters away, and return to sit on the chair. Timing will be measured using a stopwatch. The test will be repeated three times, and the best time, in seconds, will be recorded.

Trial sites (1)

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