The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the efficacy of motor control exercises for low-back and pelvic pain. It covered randomized controlled trials (RCT) that assessed the efficacy of motor control exercises in the treatment of low-back and pelvic pain of different populations. The effectiveness of the exercises was summarized according to the Cochrane level of evidence criteria. Eight RCT fulfilled the inclusion criteria. There is limited evidence, in the short term, that motor control exercises be more effective than medical treatment to reduce pain and disability in acute low-back pain. In turn, in the long term, there is limited evidence that exercises reduce recurrence in these patients. For chronic low-back pain there is strong evidence that motor control exercises are more effective in reducing pain and disability than conventional physical therapy or no treatment. There is limited evidence that motor control exercises are as equally effective as lumbar fusion surgery. There is limited evidence, in the short and long term, that specific stabilization exercises are effective in treating pelvic pain after delivery. Thus, motor control exercises do not relieve pain and disability in the acute low-back pain. However, they can be prescribed for prevention and treatment of chronic cases, thus relieving pain, reducing disability and improving these patients quality of life.

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