Work

Comparative efficacy of different mind-body exercise modalities in low back pain: Systematic review and network meta‑analysis

Year: 2025

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the effectiveness of commonly used mind-body exercise modalities for the treatment of low back pain (LBP), and to provide evidence to inform clinical decision-making and policy development. DESIGN: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. LITERATURE SEARCHS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from inception to May 2025. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing mind-body exercise interventions with each other or with control groups in patients with clinically diagnosed low back pain. Studies involving postsurgical patients were excluded. DATA SYNTHESIS: Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool (RoB2). Certainty of evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. A frequentist network meta-analysis was conducted using standardised mean differences (SMD) for pain outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty-two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 2480 participants were included. Pilates was associated with the greatest reduction in pain compared with usual care (SMD -1.56; 95 % CI -2.10 to -1.02; moderate certainty evidence), followed by taiji and qigong. The pain reduction associated with Pilates exceeded the prespecified minimal clinically important difference. Yoga did not significantly differ from control in follow-up. Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking curve (SUCRA) supported the superiority of Pilates. CONCLUSIONS: Mind-body exercises-particularly Pilates-are effective non-pharmacological options for managing low back pain. Pilates may offer the most meaningful short-term pain relief. These findings support the integration of structured mind-body programmes into standard LBP care pathways and highlight the need for further direct comparisons between modalities.

Source: Complementary Therapies in Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103309

Authors: Qingsong Tian, Dijun Li, Huihui Xiong, Tianbo Zhu, Xinzhi Li, Wei Huang

Institution: China Three Gorges University

Language: English

Topic: Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,760