39 physically active patients with lower back pain (LBP) were randomized into either an exercise training group that participated in a 4 week pilates training program or a control group that received standard care, consisting of consultations with physicians, specialists, and other health care professionals as needed. The major outcomes measured were functional disability (The Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire) and average pain intensity (The NRS-101). By the end of the 1 year follow-up period, the exercise-training group had significantly lower levels of functional disability and pain intensity than the control group.