Experiences and opinions of elderly people with chronic low back or neck pain on treatment by the pilates method via telecare – a qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic low back and neck pain have been pointed out as a public health problem, which can have a negative impact on quality of life. Treatments based on active exercises can help reduce pain and disability. Pilates, a fitness and rehabilitation method, has been described as a useful tool for reducing low back and neck pain. In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, Pilates through telecare became an option primarily for older adults with chronic low back or neck pain, however it is not yet known what the experiences of patients who underwent this treatment were like during the pandemic. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the experiences and opinions about telecare of elderly patients with chronic low back or neck pain who were treated with the Pilates method. Methods: We conducted a descriptive qualitative study, in which data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The interview script included questions about experiences with Pilates, adaptations made during telecare, and positive and negative aspects of the transition to telecare. We interviewed 17 individuals who practiced Pilates via telecare during the pandemic. Thematic analysis of the data had been done using the techniques described by Braun and Clarke (2022). Results: We identified the following themes: 1) Pilates offers many benefits, including physical and emotional benefits and pain improvement; 2) For most participants, adaptation was not immediate; 3) Flexibility and support made the transition to telecare easier; 4) There were losses and gains, but the balance was positive. Conclusion: The transition to Pilates for teleservice generated some disadvantages, but the final balance seems to have been positive for elderly patients with chronic low back or neck pain.