Decision making in Pilates

The Effectiveness of Core Muscle Training on Skill and Balance for Snooker Players

Background: Snooker is a kind of cue sport in which skill plays an important role. To reach a professional level, snooker players must acquire many physical and mental skills. Strengthening the core muscles, which provide a foundation for a successful limb function in skill sports such as snooker, can be achieved by performing Pilates exercises. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of core muscle training on skill and balance for snooker players. Methods: In this study, 30 male snooker players were divided into Pilates (n = 15) and control groups (n = 15) by randomization. The Pilates group performed the mat Pilates exercises three sessions per week consisting of 30 minutes of Pilates training in addition to one hour of routine snooker training per session for six weeks. The control group performed one-hour routine snooker training three sessions per week at the same time period. To assess the players' skills, the line-up test was used to measure the break score, and the foul number test was used to calculate the foul number. Players' balance was evaluated by the stork balance test. All tests were performed pre and post 6 weeks of exercise for between and within- group comparisons. Results: Line-up and stork test scores were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the Pilates group compared with the control group. However, there was no significant difference in the foul numbers between groups after Six weeks of Pilates exercises. Conclusions: Six weeks of mat Pilates exercises improves the snooker players' balance ability and break scores.

Application of Pilates-based exercises in the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain: state of the art

According to the current recommendations on the management of chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP), the intervention in this group of patients should include a programme of exercises. Pilates is a system of exercises widely used in patients with low back pain. The practices based on this method have promoted the restoration of the function of muscles involved in lumbopelvic stabilisation, that is, transversus abdominis, multifidus, diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles. During each exercise, specific principles of this method should be followed to restore or sustain the motor control of the lumbar spine and proper body posture. The aim of this study is to present the current state of knowledge concerning the application of Pilates method in the management of CNLBP as well as to define factors (eg, duration, frequency, exercises performed on a mat or specific equipment) influencing the effectiveness of Pilates in these individuals.

The Pilates method in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review

Abstract Introduction: Joseph Pilates created an authentic method of physical and mental conditioning, which he called Contrology and defined as the complete coordination of body, mind and spirit. Recent studies indicate that the Pilates Method is a useful tool in rehabilitation can improve overall health, sports performance and help in the prevention and attenuation of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent and costly conditions that develop gradually, presenting a chronic course and often remain untreated. Objective: This study aimed to identify the effects of the Pilates Method in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders through a systematic review. Methods: An active search was performed in the PubMed, PEDro, Scielo and Bireme databases. A total of 24 studies were pre-selected and their methodological quality was evaluated based on the PEDro scale. Of these, 14 fulfilled the selection criteria. Results: The studies analyzed indicate that Pilates can be effective both for the treatment of conditions such as scoliosis, back pain, ankylosing spondylitis and breast cancer, and for preventing injuries in adults, elderly people and athletes. Conclusion: The high methodological variability requires that these studies be viewed with caution. It indicates the need for the performance of new studies with high methodological quality and standardization of evaluation instruments.

Efeitos de exercícios do método Pilates na força muscular respiratória de idosas: um ensaio clínico

INTRODUÇÃO: Dentre os sistemas do organismo, acredita-se que o respiratório seja o que envelhece mais rapidamente, devido à maior exposição a poluentes ambientais ao longo dos anos. O método Pilates surge como forma de condicionamento físico particularmente interessado em proporcionar bem-estar geral ao indivíduo. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos de exercícios do método Pilates na força muscular respiratória de idosas antes e após 11 semanas de treinamento. Métodos: Trata-se de ensaio clínico, longitudinal e prospectivo. Foram selecionadas sete mulheres com idade igual e superior a 60 anos e com autonomia cognitiva preservada. A Prova de Função Pulmonar (Espirometria) foi realizada por meio do espirômetro marca Vitalograph(r) modelo 8600. A força muscular respiratória foi obtida pelas técnicas de medidas da pressão inspiratória máxima e pressão expiratória máxima, por meio de um manovacuômetro analógico da marca Gerar. O período experimental foi de 11 semanas. Para a análise comparativa dos dados obtidos nas avaliações, foi aplicado o teste t pareado e nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Os resultados do estudo mostraram aumento significativo (p≤0,01) em relação à pressão expiratória máxima de 46±18 para 75±29 cmH2O. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados apresentaram aumento significativo na pressão expiratória máxima, sendo o método Pilates uma das práticas recomendadas à população idosa.

Effect of Pilates training on alpha rhythm

In this study, the effect of Pilates training on the brain function was investigated through five case studies. Alpha rhythm changes during the Pilates training over the different regions and the whole brain were mainly analyzed, including power spectral density and global synchronization index (GSI). It was found that the neural network of the brain was more active, and the synchronization strength reduced in the frontal and temporal regions due to the Pilates training. These results supported that the Pilates training is very beneficial for improving brain function or intelligence. These findings maybe give us some line evidence to suggest that the Pilates training is very helpful for the intervention of brain degenerative diseases and cogitative dysfunction rehabilitation.

Defining Pilates exercise: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To describe Pilates exercise according to peer-reviewed literature, and compare definitions used in papers with healthy participants and those with low back pain.

DESIGN

A systematic review of literature was conducted. A search for "pilates" within the maximal date ranges of the Cochrane Library, Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, ProQuest: Nursing and Allied Health Source, Proquest: Medical and Health Complete, Scopus, Sport Discus, and Web of Science, was undertaken. To be included, papers needed to describe Pilates exercise, and be published in English within an academic, peer-reviewed journal. There were no restrictions on the methodological design or quality of papers. Content analysis was used to record qualitative definitions of Pilates. Frequencies were calculated for mention of content categories, equipment, and traditional Pilates principles. Frequencies were then compared statistically in papers with healthy participants and those with low back pain.

RESULTS

119 papers fulfilled inclusion criteria. Findings suggest that Pilates is a mind-body exercise that focuses on strength, core stability, flexibility, muscle control, posture and breathing. Exercises can be mat-based or involve use of specialised equipment. Posture was discussed statistically significantly more often in papers with participants with low back pain compared to papers with healthy participants. Traditional Pilates principles of centering, concentration, control, precision, flow, and breathing were discussed on average in 23% of papers. Apart from breathing, these principles were not mentioned in papers with low back pain participants.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a general consensus in the literature of the definition of Pilates exercise. A greater emphasis may be placed on posture in people with low back pain, whilst traditional principles, apart from breathing, may be less relevant.