Effectiveness of Pilates exercise: A quality evaluation and summary of systematic reviews based on randomized controlled trials

Diagnosis and Treatment of Low Back Pain: Synopsis of the 2021 US Department of Veterans Affairs and US Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guideline

ABSTRACT

Low back pain is a significant issue in the US Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense populations as well as the general US population at large. This type of pain can be distressing to those who experience its effects, leading patients to seek relief of their symptoms. In 2022, leadership within the US Department of Veterans Affairs and US Department of Defense approved a joint clinical practice guideline for the management of low back pain. The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for assessing and managing low back pain. Development of the guideline included a systematic evidence review, which was guided by 12 key questions. A multidisciplinary team, which included clinical stakeholders, reviewed the evidence that was retrieved and developed 39 recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. The scope of the clinical practice guideline is broad; however, the authors have focused on key recommendations that are important for clinicians in the evaluation and nonoperative treatment of low back pain, including pharmacologic therapies and both noninvasive and invasive nonpharmacologic treatments.

Nonpharmacological interventions and outcomes in the management of complications of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1-related myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis: A systematic review

Background

Human T-cell lymph tropic virus type 1 (HTLV-I)-related myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP) is a progressive inflammatory process affecting the spinal cord that occurs as a result of HTLV 1. The use of nonpharmacological approaches has always been one of the treatment strategies in these patients, but disagreement about these interventions and their results has led to their limited use. Therefore, this study aimed to identify nonpharmacological interventions and their consequences in these patients.

Materials and Methods

We followed the Cochrane Handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. The present report is organized according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. This study was conducted at PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus, among all published studies by December 30, 2021. Keywords were: HTLV-1, Human T-lymph tropic virus 1, HTLV-I-associated myelopathy, HAM/TSP, tropical spastic paraparesis, nonpharmacological intervention, nonpharmacological treatment, massage, physiotherapy, acupuncture, acupressure, and exercise. The quality of the studies was assessed using JADAD.

Results

Of 288 articles, 11 were eligible for data extraction published between 2014 and 2021. 90/9% of studies were randomized clinical trials. 81/8% of articles were of high quality. The total sample size was 253 people, of which 137 (54/15%) were women. Approaches such as exercise and motion therapy, electrotherapy, behavioral therapy, and virtual reality can be used for these patients. With these interventions, results such as improved mobility and balance, physical condition, pain, quality of life, muscle spasticity, maximum inspiratory pressure, and urinary symptoms can be achieved.

Conclusion

The most common physical therapy method used in studies was active and passive body movements, which are associated with positive results for patients. Due to the small sample size in this group of studies, it is necessary to conduct more clinical trials for more accurate conclusions. Furthermore, due to the limited number of studies that have used electrical stimulation or combined intervention packages, it is not possible to say with certainty what effect these methods have on patients. It is necessary to conduct more clinical trials.

Joint knee loads during squat with constant or variable resistance in males. A clinical trial

BACKGROUND

In the squat movement, the use of constant resistance (CR) generates greater compression and shear forces close to 90° of knee flexion, increasing joint overload. However, when used variable resistance (VR) there is no consensus about the effect of knee joint load. The aim of this study was to compare knee torques using constant or variable resistance during the squat exercise.

METHODS

Twenty-one healthy male subjects (mean age, 24 [SD, 3] years; height, 1.76 [SD, 0.04] m), who practice squats during strength training routine. Were simultaneously record data from the platform force and tridimensional kinematic to obtain torques around knee. 15 repetitions were performed up to maximum knee flexion with the use of variable (RV) or constant (CR) resistance in a single session.

RESULTS

Significant differences regarding the angles only in the sagittal plane at the end of the ascending phase of the squat, with less knee extension in the VR condition. In the sagittal and frontal planes, lower values of extensor and abductor torque were found in the VR condition at the angles of greater knee flexion.

CONCLUSION

The use of variable resistance compared to constant resistance seems to be an alternative to be considered when the objective is to minimize the internal loads on the knee joint in exercises such as the squat in amplitudes of greater flexion. This study indicated that VR helps subjects who are learning the squat movement, enabling the application of this knowledge in physical therapy or physical training clinics.

Application of mobility training methods in sporting populations: A systematic review of performance adaptations

This systematic review investigates influences of mobility training in sporting populations on performance outcomes. The search strategy involved Embase, MEDLINE Complete, Sports Discus and manual search from inception to March 2022. Mobility training studies with a minimum three-week, or 10-session duration in healthy sporting populations of any age were included. Twenty-two studies comprising predominantly young adult or junior athletes were analysed from 319 retrieved articles. Performance outcomes were strength, speed, change of direction, jumping, balance, and sport-specific skills. Fifteen studies randomized participants with only four indicating systematic allocation concealment and blinding of outcomes assessors in only one study. In 20 of 22 studies mobility training was of some benefit or helped to maintain sports performance to a larger degree than control conditions. Control conditions, which were generally no activity conditions, were primarily non-significant. The majority of evidence suggests that a range of mobility training methods may improve key sports performance variables or are unlikely to impair performance over time. Therefore, coaches can consider the potential benefits of including comprehensive mobility programmes with minimal risk of impairing performance. Higher-quality studies in homogenous populations are necessary to confirm performance changes.

Assessment of complementary and alternative medicine methods in the management of ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia syndrome

A wide variety of musculoskeletal, arthritic, connective tissue, and vasculitic diseases fall under the umbrella of "rheumatic diseases". Ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia syndrome are the three members of this disease group with relatively high prevalence. Pharmacological options are at the center of therapeutic algorithms in treating rheumatic diseases, particularly in reducing inflammation. Despite significant advances in pharmacological treatment in recent years, achieving complete treatment success in a group of patients is impossible. Therefore, patients with rheumatic diseases frequently utilize alternative treatment options, such as complementary and alternative medicine. Complementary and alternative medicine is a broad category of health practices not part of the leading health system. Patients with rheumatic diseases turn to complementary and alternative medicine for various reasons, including restricted access to some treatments due to high prices and rigorous regulations, worries about drug side effects, and symptoms that continue despite pharmacological treatment. In addition, because complementary and alternative medicine options are considered natural, they are frequently accepted as well tolerated and have few harmful effects. Ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia syndrome are the primary foci of this comprehensive review. First, we attempted to summarize the non-traditional physical medicine and complementary and alternative medicine options that can be utilized to manage these diseases. Second, we addressed the link between exercise and inflammation in rheumatic diseases. We briefly discussed the possible benefits of exercise-based approaches. In addition, we highlighted the benefits of cooperation between rheumatology and physical medicine-rehabilitation clinics.

Pilates and multiple health outcomes: an umbrella review

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the evidence of associations between Pilates and multiple health outcomes, and evaluate the strength and validity of these associations.

DESIGN

Unbrella review.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to February, 2023. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews, version 2 and the certainty of evidence was graded by the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluations. We recalculated each outcome using random-effects models with standardized mean difference.

RESULTS

We identified 27 systematic reviews with meta-analyses in this umbrella review. 1 was rated as high quality, 1 as moderate quality, 15 as low quality, and 10 as critically low quality. These studies focused on the populations with diseases of the circulatory system, endocrine, nutritional or metabolic diseases, genitourinary system diseases, mental, behavioral, or neurodevelopmental disorder, musculoskeletal system diseases, neoplasms, nervous system diseases, sleep-wake function disorder and others. Compared with inactive/active intervention, Pilates can reduce body mass index and body fat percentage, relieve pain and disability, and improve sleep quality and balance. The certainty of evidence was very low to moderate for these outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Pilates showed benefits on several health outcomes related with low back pain, neck pain and scoliosis. However, the certainty of the evidence was mostly low; further high quality randomized controlled trials are needed to elucidate and support these promising findings.

Psychophysiological Adaptations to Pilates Training in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Topical Review

The prevalence of overweightness and obesity has been documented as a major public health issue since it has increased at an alarming rate worldwide. Structured physical exercise programs have been reported as an essential strategy for preventing, managing, and treating obesity, inducing critical improvements in various physiological and psychological markers. However, it is unclear whether Pilates training can elicit positive changes in body composition, physical fitness, cardiometabolic health, and well-being among overweight and obese populations. The purpose of this topical review was to catalog studies investigating the physiological and psychological adaptations to Pilates training in order to identify what outcomes have been assessed, the research methods used, and the results. The inclusion/exclusion criteria were met by 14 published articles involving 582 participants (83% female) who were overweight or obese. The present topical review on Pilates training-induced adaptations shows that this widely used exercise type can significantly improve the majority of the selected indicators. These beneficial changes are frequently focused on anthropometric parameters, body composition, glucose, and lipid metabolism, as well as blood pressure in sedentary overweight or obese women. Specialized equipment-based Pilates interventions and trials investigating various mental health indices were limited. Further research is warranted in this area, emphasizing the Pilates training configuration and potential mechanisms behind positive alterations in several psychophysiological markers through large-scale randomized controlled trials with superior methodological quality, implementing long-term interventions in various populations that are overweight and obese.

Efficacy of Pilates in Functional Body Composition: A Systematic Review

The aim of this review was to collect and systematize results of studies from the last 5 years concerning the influence of the Pilates method (PM) on functional body composition (FBC). Methods: The criteria of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were used in this review. We conducted research in three scientific databases: (i) Web of Science Core Collection, (ii) SCOPUS, and (iii) search directory of the library catalog of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education of the University of Coimbra—EBSCO Discovery Services. We found 334 articles, covering the period between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2021. After the selection process, we found 33 eligible articles. Results: The main results seem to point to a tendency to get a better body weight and body fat percentage (BFP), hip circumference (HC), waist, and skinfolds from the chest, abdomen, triceps, and supra-iliac in mostly female samples. Available evidence indicates that, in body composition (BC) and FBC, Pilates practice tends to be effective in reducing obesity as a multifactorial condition. Conclusions: It is concluded that there is a marked trend in the benefits of Pilates in FBC, which is in line with other systematic reviews at the BC level (which includes body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI)) and in the reduction of the percentage of fat mass (FM). It is also concluded that there is a vast lack of studies on the male population, preventing further scientific development in this area. The limitations of this systematic review can be overcome with studies that bring together multidisciplinary aspects of FBC, better designed and methodologically more robust, which will allow more reliable analyses for the implementation of the Pilates method in terms of FBC. In addition, further studies with a male sample or mixed samples (men vs. women) could confirm the trend of no gender differences in the benefits of Pilates practice.

THE EFFECT OF PILATES EXERCISES ON MUSCLE ELECTRICAL ACTIVATION IN ADULTS WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

ABSTRACT Low back pain is one of the most prevalent orthopedic conditions, affecting around 70% to 80% of the world’s population at least once during their life times. Surface electromyography is an important tool for assessing the muscle function of the lumbar stabilizers. One of the best treatment options for patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) is physical exercise, particular lyaerobic exercise and Pilates, as these can reduce short-term pain and disability, and improve balance. This review aims to identify the state of art regarding the benefits of pilates on the population with CLBP, evaluating changes in the muscular activation of the muscles of the lumbar region. Searches were conducted on the following databases: PubMed (Medline), Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Ebsco and Scielo; including gray literature: Google Scholar, Grey Literature, Pro Quest Dissertations & Theses. The inclusion criteria were adults with low back pain for three months or more, with or without referred pain in the lower limbs; studies that used electromyographic variables; studies with a pain assessment measure at two different times; studies with physical exercise performed only using the Pilates method. Applying these criteria, the searches retrieved 439 abstracts. Of these, 44 articles were evaluated for eligibility, and three fulfilled the qualitative and quantitative synthesis criteria. The average methodological quality score on the Downs and Black checklist was 15 out of 28. It was therefore concluded that Pilates is an excellent option for the treatment of non-specific low back pain, promoting health and helping prevent low back pain among asymptomatic individuals. Level of evidence II; Systematic Review of Level II or Level I Studies with Discrepant Results.

Effects of Pilates Training on Physiological and Psychological Health Parameters in Healthy Older Adults and in Older Adults With Clinical Conditions Over 55 Years: A Meta-Analytical Review

This meta-analytical review aimed at comparing the impact of Pilates interventions (PIs) on physiological and psychological health parameters in healthy older adults and older adults with a clinical condition aged 55 years and older. The literature search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus). Randomized controlled trials that aimed at improving physiological and psychological health parameters in adults aged 55 years and older using Pilates as an intervention were screened for eligibility. The included data was extracted and assigned based on participants' health condition (clinical vs. non-clinical), as well as the respective control condition used in the study [inactive (IC) vs. active control group (AC)]. Statistical analyses were computed using a random-effects inverse-variance model. Fifty-one studies with a total of 2,485 participants (mean age: 66.5 ± 4.9 years) were included. Moderate effects (SMD: 0.55; 0.68) were found for physiological health parameters (muscle strength, balance, endurance, flexibility, gait, and physical functioning) in both experimental (clinical and non-clinical) conditions when compared to ICs (p < 0.003; p = 0.0001), and small to moderate effects (SMD: 0.27; 0.50) when compared to ACs (p = 0.04; p = 0.01). Moderate to large effects (SMD: 0.62; 0.83) were documented for psychological health parameters (quality of life, depression, sleep quality, fear of falling, pain, and health perception) in both conditions when compared to ICs (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). PIs induce small to large effects in physiological and psychological health parameters in older adults, regardless of their health condition. The substantial heterogeneity within the included studies complicated standardized comparison of the training modalities between the two target groups. Nonetheless, Pilates seems to be a safe, adaptable, and promising exercise approach for a heterogenous population of older adults.

A systematic review of the effectiveness of Pilates on pain, disability, physical function, and quality of life in older adults with chronic musculoskeletal conditions

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and delivery of Pilates to reduce pain and disability and to improve physical function and quality of life in middle-aged to older adults with a range of chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

METHODS

Searches were conducted using CENTRAL, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Pubmed, PsycInfo, Web of Science Core Collection and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were controlled trials and observational studies, population mean age 50 years and over with chronic musculoskeletal conditions, using mat-based Pilates exercise. Outcomes included pain, disability, physical function and quality of life.

RESULTS

Seven studies were included, with a combined total sample of 397 participants (73% female). Pilates was significantly effective (p ≤ 0.05) for reducing back pain, neck pain and pain associated with knee osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Additional significant disability, physical functioning and quality of life effects were found for back pain, osteoporosis, and knee OA. Overall Pilates was as effective as other exercise. Adherence to group exercise was good, but poor for home exercise. No significant adverse effects were reported.

CONCLUSION

Pilates is a safe and effective exercise intervention for adults over 50 with a diverse range of musculoskeletal conditions which may otherwise put them at risk of becoming sedentary. Although no overall significant superiority was found over other exercise, participants reported psychosocial benefits particular to the Pilates group exercise, with enjoyment a possible positive factor in adherence. Further research on Pilates exercises for various pathologies could inform teaching and improve engagement with older adults, including those with chronic conditions.

Pilates for Overweight or Obesity: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Evidence for the efficacy of Pilates for the modulation of body weight and body composition is unclear. Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of Pilates on body weight and body composition in adults with overweight or obesity. Data Sources: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and EMBASE databases were systematically searched from the inception dates to 12 November 2020 for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Study Selection: Randomized controlled trials comparing Pilates with other physical exercises or without any intervention were included. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Three reviewers independently performed the data extraction and assessed study quality. The mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for pooled data were calculated. Main Outcomes and Measures: Outcome measures were body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, lean body mass, and waist circumference. Results: Eleven RCTs with 393 subjects were included. This study revealed that Pilates dramatically reduces body weight (MD = -2.40, 95% CI: [-4.04, -0.77], P = 0.004, I 2 = 51%), BMI (MD = -1.17, 95% CI: [-1.85, -0.50], P = 0.0006, I 2 = 61%), and body fat percentage (MD = -4.22, 95% CI: [-6.44, -2.01], P = 0.0002, I 2 = 88%) in adults with overweight or obesity. The reduction in body weight and body fat percentage appears to be more pronounced in studies including participants with obesity only, and the efficacy of Pilates for the improvement of body weight and BMI appears to be more evident in longer intervention duration. However, Pilates has no significant effect on waist circumference (MD = -2.65, 95% CI: [-6.84, 1.55], P = 0.22, I 2 = 0%) and lean body mass (MD = -0.00, 95% CI: [-1.40, 1.40], P = 1.00, I 2 = 23%). Conclusions: Pilates dramatically reduces body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage in adults with overweight or obesity. Large-scale and well-designed RCTs with improved methodology and reporting are urgently needed to further confirm these results.

Hemodynamic and creatine kinase changes after a 12-week equipment-based Pilates training program in hypertensive women

Exercise therapy is a conservative strategy to manage hypertension. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week equipment-based Pilates training program on the hemodynamics of medication-controlled hypertensive women. Forty-five women were classified into two groups: medication-controlled hypertensive (n = 30) or control (n = 15). To be eligible for the hypertensive group, participants had to have a clinical diagnosis of hypertension, be taking medication to control their blood pressure and not to have done any exercise activity in the previous three months. In the control group, the participants needed to have normal blood pressure levels and not to have done any exercise activity in the previous three months. All women participated in a 12-week equipment-based Pilates training program (2 × 60min sessions per week). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), heart rate (HR) and creatine kinase levels (CK) were assessed before and after the program. SBP, DBP and heart rate were also assessed before and after each session. There was no statistically significant difference after Pilates training for systolic (normotensive MD 4.1, 95%CI -9.2 to 17.5, hypertensive MD 3.8, 95%CI -5.3 to 13.1) and diastolic (normotensive MD 5.8, 95%CI -2.0 to 13.7, hypertensive MD 4.0, 95%CI -4.3 to 12.4) blood pressure. Heart rate was reduced after Pilates training in both normotensive (MD 4.5, 95%CI 1.1 to 7.8) and medication-controlled hypertensive (MD 7.9, 95%CI 4.4 to 11.4) women. Creatine kinase activity was reduced after Pilates training in medication-controlled hypertensive women (p = 0.019). Blood pressure was not altered, but heart rate and creatinine kinase activity were reduced following 12 weeks of Equipment-based Pilates training.

Effect of Pilates Intervention on Physical Function of Children and Youth: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of Pilates intervention on physical function in children and youth.

DATA SOURCES

Six electronic databases were searched from inception to June 2018 using the term Pilates.

STUDY SELECTION

Articles were included if they (1) reported original data for a Pilates-only intervention; (2) involved children or youth aged up to 22 years; (3) reported a musculoskeletal, pain, or function study outcome. Searches identified 2565 papers and 11 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria.

DATA EXTRACTION

The 2 authors independently screened and assessed all studies and any discrepancies were resolved by consensus.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Level of evidence was classified using the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine. Study quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database for randomized controlled trials and Risk of Bias in N-of-1 Trials scale for single case experimental design studies. Four studies were high quality, 3 were fair quality, and 4 were of low quality. Findings showed that Pilates does appear to improve flexibility (n=6); muscle strength, power and movement speed (n=3); postural control, orientation and balance (n=3); metabolic cost (n=1); functional ability (n=1) and health related quality of life (n=1) and reduce pain (n=2) in children with musculoskeletal pathology, the majority with a large effect size. Pilates content varied from group-based mat classes to individualized programs using specialized equipment. Intervention dose and frequency varied widely.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first systematic review of the effect of Pilates intervention for children and youth. Research is in the preliminary stages; however, Pilates does appear to improve flexibility, strength and postural control, and reduce pain in children with musculoskeletal pathology. Further research is warranted to determine the potential effectiveness of Pilates for children and youth for various population groups and to develop comprehensive treatment guidelines.

Pilates exercise focused on ankle movements for improving gait ability in older women

Pilates exercise is a structured physical activity that has been demonstrated to improve physical functions in older adults. The aim of this study was to determine whether Pilates exercise can improve gait, muscle strength, and mobility in community-dwelling older women. Twenty-two participants were recruited (mean 75.68 years old) to perform Pilates exercise for 30 minutes, twice a week for 10 weeks. After 10 weeks, significant improvements were observed in the spatial gait parameters, muscle strength, and range of motion of ankle (P < .05). Pilates exercise is beneficial exercise to improve gait, muscle strength, and mobility in community-dwelling older women.

Effectiveness of the Pilates method versus aerobic exercises in the treatment of older adults with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial protocol

BACKGROUND

Chronic low back pain is potentially disabling for older adults, and exercise is considered the best treatment. The Pilates method and aerobic exercises have been proven to be effective in pain and function improvement in patients with low back pain, but evidence in the treatment of older adults with low back pain is scarce. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the Pilates method compared to aerobic exercises in the treatment of older adults with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

METHODS

This is a randomized controlled trial with blinded assessor, to be held in a physical therapy clinic in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Seventy four patients aged 65 to 85 years with chronic nonspecific pain will be randomized into Pilates Group (n = 37) with exercises based on the Pilates method and Aerobic Group (n = 37) with treadmill aerobic exercise. The primary outcomes will be pain intensity and general disability, assessed eight weeks after randomization. The secondary outcomes will be: pain intensity and general disability, assessed six months after randomization; and global perceived improvement, specific disability, dynamic balance, muscle strength (gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and lateral hip rotators), and pressure pain threshold, assessed eight weeks and six months after randomization. Therapists and patients will not be blinded.

DISCUSSION

This study has the potential to reduce pain and, consequently, improve balance and function of older adults with chronic low back pain with both therapies. However, Pilates may be more effective because the exercises are more targeted to the trunk stabilization muscles. The results of this study may provide valuable information on the effects of Pilates and aerobic exercise in older adults with chronic low back pain and contribute to a better selection of the treatment program according to the patient preference.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02729779 , April 6, 2016.

The pilates method in the function of pelvic floor muscles: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Many Pilates instructors believe that the method can produce significant improvement in the resistance of pelvic floor muscles, but it is known that about 49% of women who can contract this muscle do not perform an adequate contraction and cannot increase urethral closure pressure.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the response of the Pilates method in the function of the pelvic floor muscles, compared to the control group, in healthy women.

SEARCH METHODS

The following databases were searched from October to December 2016: PUBMED, SCIELO, LILACS, MEDLINE, WEB OF SCIENCE and CINAHL via PERIÓDICOS CAPES, without restriction of language and year of publication.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized (RCTs), quasi-randomized, and non-randomized clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of the Pilates method for the fuction of pelvic floor muscles in healthy women were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently selected the studies, assessed the risk of bias and performed the data extraction. Primary outcomes were the method of evaluation of strength, function, coordination, and symmetry of contraction of the pelvic floor muscles.

RESULTS

4434 articles were identified and 2 articles were selected to compose this review and the meta-analysis. No between-group difference was demonstrated for the pelvic floor muscle function as measured by perineometry (p = 0.32).

CONCLUSIONS

No evidence showed a modification of the function of pelvic floor muscles in healthy women practicing the Pilates method.

Chronic low back pain and postural rehabilitation exercise: a literature review

Chronic low back represents one of the major causes of disability worldwide. Our narrative review has the purpose of highlighting the evidence supporting the different rehabilitative techniques described for its management. In total, 26 studies were found suitable to be included in the review (14 articles about pilates, six about McKenzie (MK), one article about Feldenkrais, three about Global Postural Rehabilitation (GPR) and two about Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation). The effect of exercise therapy was examined for each single study through changes in the main clinical outcomes (pain, disability,) quality of life (QoL) and psychological aspects and the targeted aspects of physical function (muscle strength, mobility, muscular activity and flexibility). All the techniques are effective for the study groups with respect to the control groups in reducing pain and disability and improving the QoL and maintaining benefits at follow-up; pilates, Back School, MK and Feldenkrais methods reduce pain and are more efficient than a pharmacological or instrumental approach in reducing disability and improving all psychological aspects also. GPR shows long lasting results for the last outcome. To date, it is difficult to affirm the superiority of one approach over another. Further high quality research is needed to confirm the effect of these techniques, together with the use of more appropriate evaluation measures.

Comparison of low back mobility and stability exercises from Pilates in non-specific low back pain: A study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

There is some evidence in the literature about the effectiveness of the Pilates methods in the low back pain. Moreover, Pilates focus on exercises that empathizes the stability and/or mobility of the spine. Therefore, it is discussed in the literature whether higher levels of stability or mobility of the lumbar spine generates better results, both in performance and rehabilitation for low back pain.

OBJECTIVES

Compare the effects of the low back mobility and stability exercises from Pilates Method on low back pain, disability and movement functionality in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain.

METHODS

28 participants will be randomized into two exercise protocol from Pilates methods, one focusing on low back stability and other on low back mobility. Low back pain (visual analogic scale), low back disability (Oswestry) and movement functionality (7 functional movement tasks) will be evaluated before and after 10 sessions of Pilates exercise by the same trained assessor. A mixed designed ANOVA with two factors will be used. This study is the first to compare these outcomes for chronic low back pain participants with two exercises protocol focusing on low back mobility and stability and the results will evaluate what to prioritize with Pilates exercises to give better results for that population.

Feasibility and Efficacy of Mat Pilates on People with Mild-to-Moderate Parkinson's Disease: A Preliminary Study

This pilot study aimed at assessing the feasibility and efficacy of a Mat Pilates program in people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease (PD). The participants carried out a Mat Pilates program twice a week for 12 weeks. The Senior Fitness Test battery and the 39-item PD Questionnaire were used to assess the effects of the program on the participants' fitness level and quality of life. A total of 16 patients with mild-to-moderate PD volunteered for and finished the study. The Mat Pilates program proved to be feasible. Adherence to the program was excellent, and no adverse effects were observed. The program had a positive effect on the participants' fitness levels, except for shoulder range of motion and dynamic balance, and on their quality of life. Assessments at follow-up indicated a regression in the improvements obtained by the end of the intervention, even though the sample still showed higher levels of fitness and quality of life than those tested at baseline. Mat Pilates is feasible and may be a beneficial rehabilitation strategy to improve fitness and quality of life in people with mild-to-moderate PD. Future randomized controlled trials might determine the extent of such benefits.

Examining the postural awareness and flexibility changes in physical therapy students who took clinical Pilates class

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate postural awareness and changes in posture and flexibility of students who took Clinical Pilates class as an elective course at the undergraduate level.

Methods:

The study conducted from 2013-2016 included 98 students who took Clinical Pilates class at the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, School of Health Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, Turkey. The flexibility levels of the study participants were measured before and after the Clinical Pilates education using finger-to-floor test and modified Schober’s test. Observational posture analysis and postural awareness were recorded using the scale prepared by the researchers.

Results:

The post-education evaluations showed that postural distortions were fixed, and a significant increase in the postural awareness of the students was observed compared with the pre-education period. The results of both modified Schober’s test and finger-to-floor test, which were used to measure the flexibility levels, showed a statistically significant increase in post-education scores compared with those of the pre-education period.

Conclusion:

This study showed that the Clinical Pilates course increased postural awareness and flexibility of physical therapy students and fixed postural distortions. Thus, the inclusion of Clinical Pilates class in the undergraduate education is considered to be important.

Immediate effects of Pilates based therapeutic exercise on postural control of young individuals with non-specific low back pain: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Low back pain affects the person's ability to keep balance, especially in challenging conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effects of Pilates exercises on postural sway and dynamic balance of young individuals with non-specific low back pain.

DESIGN

Controlled laboratory design.

SETTINGS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Forty-six participants with non-specific low back pain were randomized to a Pilates (n=23, 10 males; age: 21.8±3.2years) and a control group (n=23, 9 males; age: 22.8±3.6years). Postural sway was assessed with a force platform and dynamic balance with the Star Excursion Balance Test, before and after the intervention or rest period. To assess postural sway, participants stood still on an unstable surface set on the force plate for 90s, with eyes closed.

INTERVENTION

The intervention lasted 20min and consisted on four Pilates exercises: single leg stretch (level 1), pelvic press (level 1), swimming (level 1) and kneeling opposite arm and leg reach.

RESULTS

At baseline, no differences were found between groups. The Pilates group improved in all the postural sway values (area of CoP: 11.5±3.4 to 9.7±2.7cm², p=0.002 and CoP velocity: 2.8±0.6 to 2.3±0.5cm/s, p<0.001) and in the Star Excursion Balance Test. Control group only improved in CoP velocity, however, this improvement was significantly inferior compared to the Pilates group.

CONCLUSIONS

Pilates exercises immediately improved postural sway and dynamic balance in young adults with non-specific low back pain.

Comparative effects of 12 weeks of equipment based and mat Pilates in patients with Chronic Low Back Pain on pain, function and transversus abdominis activation. A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Pilates method has been recommended for patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and the activation of transversus abdominis has been deemed to play an important role in the improvement of these patients. Nevertheless, the evidence of the activation of TrA in Pilates practitioners remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of 12 weeks of Pilates practice in disability, pain, kinesiophobia and transversus abdominis activation in patients with chronic nonspecific Low Back Pain.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial was carried out.

METHODS

A single-blind randomized controlled trial with repeated measures at 6 and 12 weeks was carried out. A total of ninety eight patients with low back pain were included and randomly allocated to a Pilates Mat group (PMG) equipment based with apparatus Pilates (PAG) or control group (CG). Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), visual analog scale (VAS) Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), and transversus abdominis (TrA) activation assessed by real time ultrasound measurement (US) were assessed as outcome measures.

RESULTS

Improvement were observed in both intervention groups in all the included variables at 6 and 12 weeks (p<0.001). Faster enhancement was observed in the equipment based Pilates group (p=0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Equipment based and mat Pilates modalities are both effective in the improvement of TaA activation in patients with CLBP with associate improvement on pain, function and kinesiophobia. Significant differences were observed after 12 weeks of intervention in PMG and PAG with faster improvement in PAG suggesting that, feedback provided by equipment could help in the interiorization of Pilates principles.