Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine if the number of incidences of low back pain levels were statistically different among individuals participating in pilates, stretching, core training or other types of exercise. An Activity Questionnaire was used to determine what factors may be effective in preventing and managing back pain. The activity questionnaire included questions regarding the following: gender, the occurrence and level of low back pain within the last three months, stretching before and after exercise, the length of time muscles are stretched, a variety of activities and the number of days each activity was performed per week, the duration of each exercise session in minutes and the number of weeks of participation in each activity. The activities that were asked about included the following: pilates, yoga, stretching, resistance training, weight training, zumba, kickboxing class, aerobics, bootcamp, treadmill, bike, stairmaster, elliptical, tennis, swimming, squash, martial arts, core training, step aerobics class, running and walking. Participants filling out the survey were also given the option to list any other physical activities in which they were involved. Two-hundred questionnaires were made available to individuals at Rio Del Oro, a private, multi-recreational fitness club in Sacramento, CA. Of these 200 questionnaires, 148 were completed and returned in an enclosed folder for review. Out of the 148 questionnaires collected, 128 were deemed appropriate for use in this study. Individuals participating in stretching, other physical activities, pilates and stretching combined, core training and stretching combined and pilates, core training and stretching combined all reported back pain significantly greater than zero and the severity of pain levels found not showing significant differences among the groups. The results of this study suggest that there is no statistical difference in the levels of low back pain when comparing individuals participating in pilates, stretching, core training and other types of exercise.