CClinicalTrials.gg
Enrolling by invitationNCT07515287Chronic LDHUpdated Apr 7, 2026

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

An interventional study of Pilates Exercise in Chronic LDH, sponsored by Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University. Enrolling by invitation at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to female participants aged 45 Years to 60 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-04-07.

Sponsored by Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

From the registry’s dates

  • Primary completion was expected by Apr 2026, 5 months ago, but the record still lists the study as enrolling by invitation.
Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
30
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
45 Years to 60 Years
Sex
Female
01

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.

Read the detailed description

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common musculoskeletal disorder resulting from the degeneration of intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine and the compression of nerve roots. This condition leads to symptoms such as low back pain, numbness in the lower extremities, muscle weakness, and balance impairments, significantly limiting individuals' daily activities and quality of life.

Pilates is a mind-body exercise approach that focuses on the activation of deep core muscles (such as the transversus abdominis and multifidus), breathing control, and body awareness. This exercise model is thought to potentially reverse pain-induced cortical reorganization in the motor cortex and improve sensorimotor integration by promoting neuromuscular re-education.

Although the effects of Pilates on trunk proprioception have been investigated in the literature, studies specifically examining its impact on ankle proprioception and distal muscle strength in patients with LDH are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Pilates on the sensorimotor system in middle-aged women with chronic lumbar disc herniation.

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Conditions studied

  • Chronic LDH

Keywords

  • Cchronic LDH
  • Pilates
  • Mİddle Aged Women
  • Proprioception
03

In context

Lead sponsor

Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University is the lead sponsor of 192 studies on the registry; 40 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

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Who can participate

Ages eligible
45 Years to 60 Years
Sexes eligible
Female
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

  • * Female individuals aged 45-60 years diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation (LDH),

    • Individuals who were diagnosed with LDH at least one year prior,
    • Individuals who have not received any therapeutic exercise treatment in the past year,
    • Individuals without any communication impairments (visual or hearing),
    • Individuals who have not undergone any surgical procedure within the last 6 months,
    • Individuals who voluntarily agree to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • * Individuals who do not wish to participate in the study,

    • Individuals who do not meet the age criteria,
    • Individuals currently receiving therapeutic exercise treatment,
    • Individuals with conditions that may affect ankle muscle strength and sensation (e.g., diabetes, rheumatologic diseases, neuromuscular disorders).
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Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
30 participants (estimated)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Pİlates

    İntervention : 8-week Pilates exercise program. Individuals with chronic unilateral lumbar disc herniation (LDH) who continue their normal daily activities and meet the inclusion criteria will be enrolled in an 8-week Pilates exercise program, conducted twice a week for 50 minutes per session. Assessments will be performed before and after the exercise program.

    Other: Pilates Exercise

  • No intervention
    Control

    Individuals with chronic unilateral lumbar disc herniation (LDH) who continue their normal daily activities and meet the inclusion criteria will be evaluated.

Interventions

  • OtherPilates Exercise

    Pİlates Group: 8-week Pilates exercise program

    Also known as: Core Stabilization

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Proprioceptive Sense/Joint Position Sense

    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

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

  2. Tibialis Anterior Muscle Test

    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.

    Time frame: "From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks"

  3. Functional Reach Test

    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 frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

  4. Time Up Go Test

    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.

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

Secondary outcomes

  1. Pain Assesment

    The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), which is widely used in studies for pain assessment due to its ease of use and practicality, will be employed to evaluate pain.

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

07

Study locations

1 site
  • Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi
    Kahramanmaraş, onikişubat 46100, Turkey (Türkiye)
08

References and documents

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

No publications or documents are linked to this record.

09

Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Apr 7, 2026, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT07515287
Lead sponsor
Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University
Responsible party
Asiya Uzun (Assistant Proffesor, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University) — Principal investigator
First posted
Apr 7, 2026
Start date
Mar 7, 2026
Primary completion
Apr 30, 2026 (estimated)
Completion
Jun 15, 2026 (estimated)
Last update
Apr 7, 2026

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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