University of Minnesota Clinical Study Finds Pvolve’s Lower Back Support Workout Series Significantly Reduces Chronic Lower Back Pain and Improves Functional Ability

NEW YORK – June 25 – Pvolve, the workout method that pairs low-impact, functional movement with resistance equipment to build strong, mobile bodies, today announced findings from a study on Chronic Lower Back Pain at the University of Minnesota. The study shows that Pvolve’s Lower Back Support Workout Series is proven to significantly reduce chronic lower back pain and improve functional ability. The Lower Back Pain Study was published by medRxiv in 2023 and is awaiting peer review.

Back pain was once seen as an inevitable part of aging, but today, factors like constant device use and intense HIIT workouts have made back soreness a common issue at any age. A survey of U.S. adults in 2022 found that around 28% reported having chronic low back/sciatic pain. Around 44% of those with chronic low back pain reported having such pain for five years or longer, and many report a diminished quality of life due to their pain (source). In recent years, lower back and neck pain have topped healthcare spending, reaching approximately $134.5 billion. Despite the risks and limited evidence of efficacy, opioids were frequently prescribed for pain management. However, in 2022, the CDC recommended prioritizing non-pharmacological treatments such as physical therapy, exercise, and mind-body approaches over medications like NSAIDs or duloxetine (source).

Lower back pain remains persistent and often debilitating for many adults, yet clinically-backed, medication-free, at-home solutions are still scarce. Findings from the Lower Back Pain Study’s 12-week clinical trial showcase the effectiveness of Pvolve’s Lower Back Support Series for improving function and reducing lower back pain. Among its impressive outcomes, the study found that participants experienced an 80% reduction in lower back pain, a 373% improvement in body awareness, and a 108% improvement in core muscle strength. The research also indicates that Pvolve’s Lower Back Support Series supports improved body awareness; participants reported improved confidence in completing tasks and activities, and reduced disability, contributing to a higher quality of life. Equally as promising, the study showed Pvolve is an easy-to-follow at-home solution with a 96% adherence and no study-related adverse effects.

Summary of results:

Researchers found participants who consistently completed workouts in Pvolve’s Lower Back Support Series experienced:

80% reduction in lower back pain
373% improvement in functional ability
76% reduction in disability
34% improvement in body awareness
14% improved confidence in completing tasks and activities
108% improvement in core muscle strength
96% adherence with no study-related adverse effects

*Results from 12-wk randomized clinical trial (16 individuals ages 18-75) with chronic lower back pain who practiced Pvolve’s Lower Back Support Series 3x/wk over 12 wks. More info here.

The Lower Back Pain Study was conducted by the University of Minnesota, which recruited 16 subjects ages 18-75 to practice 12 weeks of Pvolve. Participants participated in the Lower Back Support Series two or more times per week for approximately 117 minutes a week. Participants were monitored through 12 weeks and assessed by objective measures for core strength, balance, and body awareness. Subjects were also assessed by several validated subjective measures for quality of life, ability to perform daily functional tasks, and pain ratings.

Pvolve’s Lower Back Support Series was created to help members develop deep core strength and alleviate back pain. Co-created with Dr. Amy Hoover, Chief Physical Therapist at Pvolve, and led by Pvolve’s Chief Training Officer, Antonietta Vicario, the workouts teach concepts to improve posture and core strength, which impacts back health. The six workouts in the series are between 25 and 39 minutes each and utilize the P.ball, one of Pvolve’s patented resistance-based pieces of equipment. These low-impact workouts introduce several themes, with added progressions to continuously challenge and strengthen the core and lower body.

For more information about the study, please visit: https://pvolve.link/lowerbackpainstudy

Dr. Amy Hoover, Chief Physical Therapist at Pvolve, shared: “The Lower Back Pain study demonstrated the Pvolve Method’s effectiveness in improving strength, balance, and daily activities with less pain. The results prove that our program can help people with chronic lower back pain achieve pain relief and functional goals from home. We know that nonspecific lower back pain is common among adults, so we’re proud to provide real solutions with a scientifically-backed fitness method.”

“As someone living with scoliosis, the years of high-intensity workouts left my body feeling drained, and my back in so much pain. When I was out of fitness options, I launched Pvolve to fill that gap, a functional workout method designed to not only help you look great but make you feel and function ten times better,” said Rachel Katzman, founder of Pvolve. “The Lower Back Pain Study represents our ongoing commitment to scientific validation and clinical research. I’m proud to see the study results and, most importantly, for being able to help people alleviate their lower back pain through an easy-to-follow home workout series.”

“Core strength and back health are crucial for longevity in movement, especially with the prevalence of back pain. Our sedentary, tech-heavy lifestyles and postural misalignments weaken core and back muscles,” said Antonietta Vicario, Chief Training Officer at Pvolve. “Our method teaches the total core—breath, pelvic floor, abdominals, and the back, along with activating and mobilizing the hips and glutes to build strength and improve posture, which is essential for reducing back pain. This empowers our members to feel their best and move with confidence, both in their daily lives and for years to come.”

The Lower Back Pain Study is the next step in Pvolve’s dedication to validating its method through expert-led clinical trials. Earlier this year, Pvolve also released a Healthy Aging Study, showing that the Pvolve Method effectively improves strength, flexibility, energy, and quality of life for women over 40, outperforming 150 minutes per week of moderate cardio and strength training.

Pvolve can be experienced through a streaming membership that offers over 1,300 on-demand classes, a two-way, live virtual studio online, and targeted workout series, all available via the web and mobile apps. In addition to digital programming, Pvolve has physical studio locations in  New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, and franchises across the US and Canada, with more than 40 locations in development. For more information, please visit  www.pvolve.com.

About Pvolve

Pvolve is a workout method that pairs low-impact, functional movement with resistance equipment to build strong, mobile bodies, so members can live younger, longer. After being introduced to functional fitness in 2017, founder Rachel Katzman was determined to help others experience an approach that respects the body’s holistic needs while making you look and feel great. The Pvolve Method is supported by a Clinical Advisory Board of doctors, as well as highly credentialed trainers, to offer effective workouts that help you break a sweat, not your body. In June 2023, world-renowned actress, producer, and director, Jennifer Aniston, officially partnered with Pvolve after falling in love with the method as a member, and referring to it as “transformational.” Through its hybrid fitness model, Pvolve can be experienced through a streaming membership that offers over 1,300 on-demand classes, a two-way, live virtual studio, and targeted series, all available via the web and mobile apps. Additionally, Pvolve has physical studio locations in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and franchises across the US and Canada, with more than 40 locations in development. For more information, please visit https://www.pvolve.com/, https://pvolvefranchise.com/.

###