ReviewFrontiers in physiology2025
Effects of different types of core training on pain and functional status in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Review in Frontiers in physiology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
6 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Comparative effectiveness of different core muscle training regimens for chronic non-specific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Frontiers in medicine · 2026Pooled it
- Effects of Adding MedX Lumbar Extension or Deadlift Exercises to a Core Stabilization Program on Extensor Strength, Disability, and Pain in Men with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Pilot Trial.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Comparative Effects of Therapeutic Exercise and Manual Therapy Techniques on Self-Reported Disability in Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Network Meta-Analysis.Journal of clinical medicine · 2026Review
- Manual Therapy, Core Training, and Pilates Method Interventions in Dance Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Review
- Association between dynamic changes in lumbar back temperature during professional driver training and lumbar muscle endurance: a longitudinal study.Frontiers in physiology · 2026Article
- Meta-analysis of the therapeutic effects of different core muscle training on pain and function in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.Frontiers in pain research (Lausanne, Switzerland) · 2026Review
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Background: Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) represents a leading cause of global disability, with core training emerging as a promising non-pharmacological intervention. However, the comparative effectiveness of different core training modalities remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively compare the differential effects of three core training approaches-Pilates training, core stability training, and core resistance training-on pain intensity, functional status, and quality of life in adults with CNSLBP. Methods: A comprehensive systematic search was conducted across four electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus) from inception to May 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. We included randomized controlled trials comparing Pilates training, core stability training, or core resistance training with control conditions in adults aged 18-65 years with CNSLBP ≥12 weeks. Primary outcomes included pain intensity (assessed using Visual Analog Scale [VAS] or Numerical Rating Scale [NRS]) and functional disability (measured by Oswestry Disability Index [ODI] or Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire [RMDQ]). Secondary outcomes encompassed quality of life measures (SF-36). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed, with standardized mean differences (SMD) calculated for effect sizes. Meta-regression analysis was conducted to identify optimal training parameters. Results: A total of 57 randomized controlled trials involving 7,705 participants were included. All three core training modalities demonstrated significant improvements in pain relief compared to controls (SMD = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.58-0.82; p < 0.00001; I Conclusion: This study provides the first comprehensive evidence-based comparison of core training modalities for CNSLBP management. Pilates training demonstrates superior effectiveness for pain relief, while core resistance training shows optimal benefits for functional improvement. The identification of specific dose-response relationships and optimal training parameters offers precise clinical guidance for individualized exercise prescription. Core training represents a safe, effective, evidence-based non-pharmacological treatment approach, with clinical application requiring tailored selection based on patient-specific symptoms and treatment objectives. Future research should focus on long-term efficacy evaluation and development of personalized intervention protocols. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD420251054431.
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