The Effect of Traditional Mat Exercises Versus Reformer Pilates and Hammock Yoga on Chronic Back Pain

Reformer Pilates exercises activates the lumbopelvic muscles and supports functional movement. Activated muscles support the spine and reduce the load on the spine by correcting the posture, helping the core muscles such as the abdomen and spine stay healthier by attaching them to a neutral pelvis Pilates consists of a sliding platform working with the help of a pulley system specific to the use, allowing the individual to apply certain resistances, and providing the opportunity to exercise sitting, standing, or lying down.

Hammock Yoga is performed with a silk hammock, which is an auxiliary equipment. The most distinctive characteristic that makes Hammock Yoga different from other exercises is the spine traction provided by the upside-down posture, and the smooth and shiny silk hammock allows strengthening exercises. The Hammock Yoga aims to reduce the load on the spine by upside-down postures that defy the laws of physics.

The mat exercises help build core strength, stamina, and motor control of the abdominal and lumbar trunk musculature. The exercises focus on the re-education of a precise co-contraction pattern of local muscles of the spine. Also mat exercise increases the level of endorphins and the stimulation of mechanoreceptors, causing biomechanical stress to support healing in tissues.