Flexibility is a basic motor ability that significantly improves overall motor efficiency and reduces the possibility of muscle and joint injuries. The aim of this study was to determine the effects ...of Pilates exercise with a Swiss ball on flexibility development among female students. The sample of 45 participants, aged 19 to 22 years, was divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group took part in a 12-week Pilates exercise with a Swiss ball, with a frequency of three training sessions with one hour of exercise per week. The control group was not involved in the training process. For flexibility assessment, four tests were applied (Sit and Reach, Straddle in Supine Position, Leg Lift from Supine Position and Backward Leg Lift from a Prone Position). The results of the multivariate analysis of covariance showed that there is a significant difference between the experimental and control groups. Univariate results showed significant differences in all flexibility variables. The authors conclude that the Pilates program with a ball has significantly improved the flexibility of the female students.
To evaluate the effects of water and mat Pilates on pain, disability, and static and dynamic balance in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP).
Twenty-four participants with CNLBP ...were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 12) that perform water and mat Pilates exercises for 24 sessions (8-week, 3 sessions per week). The value for pain, disability and balance were measured before and after the exercise program using the Visual Analogue Scale, Oswestry Disability Questionnaire and Biodex Balance System respectively.
A paired t-test revealed significant differences in pain severity and disability in both groups after they performed the Pilates program (P ≤ 0.05). Mat Pilates improved static balance as the participants performed the tests with their eyes open and closed (P = 0.02, P = 0.04). Its effect on dynamic balance, however, was not statistically significant (ES = 0/33, P = 0/34). The same Pilates program performed in water did not show significant effects on balance despite a decline in body sway (P˃0/05). There was no difference between the two groups (P˃0/05).
The results suggest that both mat and water Pilates exercise program have beneficial effects on the treatment of LBP. Nevertheless, the low impact of the mat and water Pilates program on balance improvement suggests more investigation on Pilates training or complementary exercises to improve balance in patients with CNLBP.
Introduction: Low back pain is one of the leading causes of disease burden globally. Matrix Rhythm Therapy (MRT) is based on rhythmic micro-oscillations of muscle tissue by the action of ...mechano-magnetic alternating fields. Pilates exercises have been shown to be helpful in low back pain. This study was conducted to compare the effects of MRT and Pilates exercises on chronic low back pain, lumbar flexibility, functional impairments, and pelvic inclination in chronic low back pain. Materials and Methods: Ethical clearance was obtained by ethical committee of Dr. D. Y. Patil Physiotherapy, Pimpri, Pune. 50 patients diagnosed with chronic low back pain were selected as per inclusion criteria after taking informed consent. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups. Group A (n = 25) received MRT. Group B (n = 25) were given Pilates exercise. Both groups received treatment thrice a week for two weeks. Duration of 45 min. Outcome measures were assessed for both groups at the beginning and end of the study. Outcome measures included Numerical Pain Rating Scale for pain, Modified-modified schober's test for lumbar flexibility, pelvic inclination using an inclinometer, and Oswestry Low Back Disabaility Questionnaire for functional impairments. Data were analysed using Winpepi. Results: For all outcome measures, a highly significant improvement (p < 0.001) was seen in Group A, a significant improvement (p < 0.005) was seen in group B. Discussion: Pain, restricted movements, reduced flexibility, and pelvic inclination are the consequences of systemic and local disturbances in the logistics of the living processes due to chronic pain in low back region. MRT and Pilates, both individually are effective in treating the same. Conclusion: Both Groups showed significant improvements in patients with CLBP. However, the findings in MRT group highly statistically significant.
Abstract The Pilates exercise method is applied online to various population groups. This study aimed to determine the effect of online Pilates exercises on depression, anxiety, and fear of ...childbirth in pregnant women. Our randomized controlled study divided participants into the online pilates group (OPG) and the control group (CG). Pilates exercises were applied to the OPG according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines, while the CG was given a home program. Assessments were made before and after the training. All measurements improved after Online Pilates ( p < 0.05), while there was no change in the control group ( p > 0.05). While initial measurement values were similar in both groups ( p > 0.05), a statistical difference was observed in favor of OPG with a moderate effect percentage in all results after training ( p < 0.05). These results revealed that eight weeks of online Pilates training could effectively reduce depression, anxiety, and fear of childbirth. Trial registration: Clinical trial registry: NCT05305716.
The interest in soccer generally starts during childhood, with children and young people often looking for opportunities in sports. New exercise techniques can be effective in improving training. The ...aim of this study was to compare the effects on the strength and physical posture of a group practicing Pilates with another not practicing Pilates, both undergoing continuous football training. In this controlled randomized clinical trial, the participants were 15 soccer club members, who had a training frequency of least three times weekly. The sample was divided into a control group (
= 7) of players who did not undergo any therapeutic intervention (only the usual training) and a Pilates group (
= 8) of players who participated in the mat Pilates program. The intervention consisted of fifteen sessions. Postural evaluations were performed using biophotogrammetry and force analysis. Significant improvements were obtained in terms of increased muscle strength (
= 0.001) for the Pilates group, but there were no significant postural alterations when comparing the two groups. Five weeks of mat Pilates was sufficient to increase lower limb muscle strength in young football players. This pilot study indicates that Mat Pilates as a method that could be planned to be included in training.
Pilates can be performed by children as a form of exercise to promote healthy growth and development. The increasing use of Pilates as a type of exercise for children or as an adjunct tool in ...pediatric rehabilitation should be supported by evidence of its benefits. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effects of Pilates as an exercise prescription for children and adolescents.
Five electronic databases were searched to identify trials (randomized controlled clinical trials or quasi-experimental studies) with a population of children or adolescents in which Pilates (mat or equipment) was performed as a form of exercise. Studies that investigated outcomes related to health and physical performance was analyzed. Individual trial effects were extracted and pooled for meta-analysis whenever possible. To evaluate the external and internal validity of the studies, we assessed their risk of bias.
Fifteen studies (from 945 records), including 1235 participants, met the eligibility criteria, and were included. The reported outcomes were heterogeneous, so only the effect on flexibility could be included in the meta-analysis (n = 4 studies). A significant positive trend toward improved flexibility for the control group compared with the Pilates group was found (Std. mean difference, 0.54; 95%CI: 0,18, 0.91; p = 0.003).
Few studies have assessed the effect of Pilates on children and adolescents. The lack of appropriate methodological descriptions/controls made it impossible to determine if all of the included studies were of good quality.
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