The effect of Pilates-based exercise applied with hybrid telerehabilitation method in children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A randomized clinical trial

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Pilates-based exercise training applied with hybrid telerehabilitation on Cobb angle, respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength, and functional capacity in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). This is an evaluator-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. For the study, 32 patients were randomly allocated into two groups: a hybrid telerehabilitation group (training group), provided with modified Pilates-based exercises with synchronous sessions; and a home-based group (control group), doing the same exercises in their home. The Pilates-based exercise program consists of stretching and strengthening exercises combined with postural corrections and breathing exercises modified according to the curve type and localization of the patients, done every day of the week for 12 weeks. Analyses were made based on the comparison between the angle of trunk rotation, Cobb angle, spirometry, maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressures (MEP), and incremental shuttle walk tests done at the beginning and end of the study. The training group showed statistically significant improvements in Cobb angle, PEF%, MIP, and MEP values compared with the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

 Pilates-based exercises applied with the hybrid telerehabilitation method can improve Cobb angle and respiratory muscle strength in patients with AIS. The hybrid telerehabilitation method can be used as an alternative to home-based programs, especially in locations and times where there may be limited access to supervised training. Also, the nature of the disease that requires long-term follow-up is another factor where hybrid telerehabilitation may be an advantage.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

 ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05761236.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Exercise training is one of the main approaches to treating scoliosis.

WHAT IS NEW

• Application of exercises via telerehabilitation method may contribute more to the improvement of scoliosis-related parameters than home-based programs. • Telerehabilitation may be a preferable alternative exercise method in scoliosis, considering the advantages of accessibility and long-term follow-up.

The effects of Pilates training on respiratory muscle strength in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

BACKGROUND

Reduction in flexibility and mobility are important factors that lead to impairments in quality of life, reduction of exercise tolerance, and a decreased pulmonary capacity with the progression of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).

AIM

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Pilates exercises on mobility, quality of life, and respiratory muscle strength in patients with AS.

METHODS

Forty patients with AS were randomly divided into two groups as Pilates group and the control group. The Pilates group performed Pilates exercises in supervised group sessions and the control group performed conventional exercises at home three days a week for eight weeks. The main outcome measure was respiratory muscle strength. Secondary outcome measures were forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) FEV1/FVC ratio, chest expansion, Bath indices (BASDAI, BASMI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL) and six-minute walk test (6MWT). All participants were assessed by a blind assessor at baseline and the end of eight weeks.

RESULTS

Thirty-six AS patients (n = 19 in the Pilates group, n = 17 in the control group) completed the study. Respiratory muscle strength, FEV1/FVC, chest expansion, BASDAI, BASMI, ASQoL, and 6MWT significantly improved at the 8th week (p < .05) in the Pilates group, while inspiratory muscle strength, FEV1/FVC, chest expansion, and 6MWT showed significant improvements in the control group at 8th week compared to baseline (p < .05). No significant between-group differences were observed when the change over time values were compared (Δ).

CONCLUSION

Both Pilates and home exercises seem to be effective for improving respiratory parameters and functional status in patients with AS. Pilates exercises without using any equipment and additional exercises is found to be useful for improving respiratory functions and disease-related symptoms.

The effect of Pilates exercises on sleep quality and fatigue among female students dormitory residents

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate the effect of Pilates exercises on sleep and fatigue among female college students residing in the dormitory.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental study, two parallel groups was performed on 80 single female college students (40 per group), between 18 to 26 years old who lived in the two dormitories. One dormitory was considered as the intervention group and another as the control group. The Pilates group received three one-hour Pilates exercise sessions per week for eight weeks and the control group maintained their routine activities. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) were used respectively to assess sleep quality and fatigue levels, at three time points: baseline, end of week four, and eight follow-ups. Fisher's exact, Chi-square, independent sample t-test and repeated measurements were used.

RESULTS

Overall, 66 participants completed the study (32 and 35 participants in the Pilates and control groups, respectively). After four and eight weeks of intervention, the overall mean score of sleep quality improved significantly (p < 0.001). At week four of the intervention, the Pilates group had a significantly lower mean score for subjective sleep quality and daytime dysfunction than the control group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.002, respectively), although sleep duration and habitual sleep efficiency improved after eight weeks of intervention (p < 0.04 and p < 0.034, respectively). Additionally, the overall mean score of fatigue and its dimensions in weeks four and eight of the intervention in the Pilates group were significantly lower compared to the control group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

After eight weeks of Pilates exercises implementation, most components of sleep quality significantly improved; however, the effect of Pilates exercises on fatigue was evident from week four onward. Trial registration This trial was registered on 2/6/2015 in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with the IRCT ID: IRCT201412282324N15. URL of registry: https://www.irct.ir/trial/1970 .

The Effects of Abdominal Hollowing and Bracing Maneuvers on Trunk Muscle Activity and Pelvic Rotation Angle during Leg Pull Front Pilates Exercise

Pilates methods use mats for trunk muscles stabilization exercises, and leg pull front (LPF) is one of the traditional Pilates mat exercises. Abdominal hollowing (AH) and Abdominal bracing (AB) maneuvers are recommended to stabilize the trunk muscles and prevent unwanted pelvic movement during motion. This study aimed to explore the effects of AH and AB on electromyography (EMG) activity of the trunk muscles and angle of pelvic rotation during LPF. A total of 20 healthy volunteers participated in the study. AH, AB, and without any condition (WC) were randomly performed during LPF exercise. Each was repeated three times for 5 s. The trunk muscle activities were measured using EMG and rotation of pelvis was measured using a Smart KEMA device. The activities of the transversus abdominis/obliquus internus abdominis (TrA/IO) and right obliquus externus abdominis (EO) muscles were highest in LPF-AH compared to the other conditions. Multifidus (MF) activity was significantly greater in LPF-AH and LPF-AB compared to that of without any condition. The pelvic rotation angle was significantly smaller in LPF-AB. Therefore, AH maneuver during LPF for trunk muscle stabilization exercises is suitable for selective activation of the TrA/IO, and AB maneuver during LPF is recommended for the prevention of unwanted pelvic rotation.

The effects of clinical pilates exercises on functional disability, pain, quality of life and lumbopelvic stabilization in pregnant women with low back pain: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Although the Pilates method has been reported to be effective in women with low back pain (LBP), the efficacy of Pilates exercises in pregnant women with LBP has not been evaluated widely.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of clinical Pilates exercises on lumbopelvic stabilization, pain, disability and quality of life in pregnant women with LBP.

METHODS

Fourty pregnant women were randomized into either a Pilates exercise group (n= 20) or control group (n= 20). Subjects in the Pilates exercise group performed the exercises two times a week for eight weeks. Subjects in the control group followed regular prenatal care. Lumbopelvic stabilization was assessed with a pressure biofeedback unit, pain with the Visual Analog Scale, disability with the Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire and quality of life with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP).

RESULTS

Pain and disability were significantly improved in the Pilates exercise group after intervention (p= 0.03, p< 0.001, respectively). There were also significant improvements in sleep, physical mobility sub-parameters of NHP and lumbopelvic stabilization after Pilates exercises (p= 0.048, p= 0.007, respectively). However, there were no statistically significant changes in all outcome measures in the control group (p> 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Pilates exercises can be recommended as an effective and safe method for increasing lumbopelvic stabilization, reducing pain and disability, improving physical mobility and sleep problems in pregnant women with LBP.

Effects of the aerobic and Pilates exercises on mental health in inactive older women

This study aimed to compare the effect of the Aerobic and Pilates exercises on mental health in inactive older women. Seventy-five inactive aged women were randomly divided into three groups (n = 25); aerobic (62.48 ± 2.87 years), Pilates (62.66 ± 1.68 years), and control group (63.80 ± 3.35 years). The Goldberg General Health Questionnaire assessed mental health. The exercise program was performed for 12 weeks. The results indicate that Pilates exercises are more valuable than aerobic training in depression (p ≤ .05). However, in other mental health components, the difference between the two exercise groups was not statistically significant. According to our results, physical activity, particularly Pilates and aerobic exercises, improves physical health and has a close correlation with the mental health of inactive older women. These results highlight the role of these physical exercise training in older women.

Effect of pilates exercises on premenstrual syndrome symptoms: a quasi-experimental study

OBJECTIVES

This study was done to identify the effect of pilates exercises on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

DESIGN

A quasi experimental was conducted on university student with premenstrual syndrome.

METHODS

Population of the study included midwifery students with premenstrual syndrome at Istanbul University Faculty of Health Sciences (N = 286) and 50 of them became the sample (25 in experimental group and 25 in control group). Non-probablistic sampling method was used. While the students in experimental group were asked to practice the pilates exercises for three months, the students in control group were told to maintain their routine habits. At the end of the three months, premenstrual syndrome problem of experimental and control group was diagnosed and the effect of pilates on premenstrual syndrome was evaluated. Premenstrual Syndrome symptoms were evaluated through Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS). The high score received from PMSS shows that the symptoms are intensive.

RESULTS

It was seen that the students in the experimental and control group were similar in terms of their aspects which were individual, health and could affect premenstrual syndrome (p > 005). A statistical significant difference was not found between total scores and sub-dimension scores of PMSS in experimental and control group (p < 0.05). It was seen that PMSS total score of experimental group was significantly lower than that of control group (p < 0.001). When in-group comparisons were examined, it was identified that PMSS scores of control group did not change at the beginning and end of exercise, but PMSS score of experimental group at the end of exercise was lower than their score received at the beginning of exercise and, the difference was statistically significant to the highest degree (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

It was seen that the pilates exercises, which were practiced in this research, decreased the PMS symptoms considerably. In this regard, the pilates exercises have an important role in healing the PMS symptoms.

Comparison of the effectiveness of pilates exercises, aerobic exercises, and pilates with aerobic exercises in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a rheumatic disease characterized by erosive synovitis and polyarthritis. Exercise is known to improve many symptoms in RA patients.

AIM

This study was designed to compare the effects of pilates exercises, aerobic exercises, and combined training including pilates with aerobic exercises on fatigue, depression, aerobic capacity, pain, sleep quality, and quality of life.

METHODS

Thirty voluntary RA patients were included in this study. Patients were divided into three groups equally, and treatment was applied to each group for 8 weeks. Pilates exercises were practiced to the first group, aerobic exercises were practiced to the second group, and combined training was performed to the third group. Fatigue, depression, aerobic capacity, pain, sleep quality, and quality of life were evaluated using Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), McGill Pain Questionnaire- Short Form (MPQ-SF), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life (RAQoL), respectively.

RESULTS

The results of the present study showed significant improvements for the first group on fatigue, depression, aerobic capacity, and quality of life (p < 0.05). Improvements in all parameters except for pain were obtained for the second and third groups (p < 0.05). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference among the treatment groups in assessments (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Pilates exercises may have similar effects to aerobic exercises in patients with RA. Addition of clinical pilates exercises to the routine treatment of RA may enhance the success of rehabilitation. Trial registration NCT03836820.

Pilates training improves aerobic capacity, but not lipid or lipoprotein levels in elderly women with dyslipidemia: A controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present study was to verify the effects of a Pilates training on total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), glucose and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, as well as on functionality of postmenopausal women with dyslipidemia.

METHOD

This randomized study involved 35 sedentary women with dyslipidemia, aged between 60 and 75 years. One group participated in a Pilates exercises training with two to four weekly sessions during 10 weeks (Pilates group, n = 20) and the other group did not perform any intervention (control group, n = 6). Biochemical analyses and functionality parameters were measured before and after the 10 weeks.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in TC, TG, LDL and HDL for both groups. Regarding glucose and CRP levels, significant reductions were observed in both groups after the intervention period. In functional parameters, both groups significantly increased their 30-s chair stand test values. On the other hand, only the Pilates group presented significant increments in the 6-min walk test (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Pilates training did not change lipid or lipoprotein levels, but improved cardiorespiratory fitness of elderly women with dyslipidemia.

Effectiveness of adding voluntary pelvic floor muscle contraction to a Pilates exercise program: an assessor-masked randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of adding voluntary pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC) to a Pilates exercise program in sedentary nulliparous women.

METHODS

Fifty-seven healthy nulliparous and physically inactive women were randomized to a Pilates exercise program (PEP) with or without PFMC. Forty-eight women concluded this study (24 participants for each group). Each woman was evaluated before and after the PEP, by a physiotherapist and an urogynecologist (UG). Neither of the professionals was revealed to them. This physiotherapist measured their pelvic floor muscle strength by using both a perineometer (Peritron) and vaginal palpation (Oxford Scale). The UG, who performed 3D perineal ultrasound examinations, collected their data and evaluated the results for pubovisceral muscle thickness and the levator hiatus area (LA). Both professionals were blinded to the group allocation. The protocol for both groups consisted of 24 bi-weekly 1-h individual sessions of Pilates exercises, developed by another physiotherapist who specializes in PFM rehabilitation and the Pilates technique.

RESULTS

The PEP+ PFMC group showed significantly greater strength improvements than the PEP group when comparing the Oxford scale, vaginal pressure and pubovisceral muscle thickness during contraction measurements at baseline and post-treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that adding a voluntary PFMC to a Pilates exercise program is more effective than Pilates alone in improving PFM strength in sedentary nulliparous women.

Pilates exercises improve low back pain and quality of life in patients with HTLV-1 virus: a randomized crossover clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Low back pain is highly prevalent in patients with HTLV-1. The effects of physical activity on this condition are not known, but postural misalignment and motor deficits are frequently present.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of Pilates exercises on chronic low back pain in these patients, and its impact on quality of life.

METHODS

A randomized crossover clinical trial was conducted, involving 22 patients from a reference center in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The VAS was used to evaluate the effect of Pilates on pain intensity and the SF-36 to assess its impact on quality of life.

RESULTS

Our results provide evidence of positive effects on pain intensity and almost all domains of quality of life when patients followed the Pilates exercise program described.

CONCLUSION

The Pilates method may be a useful tool in alleviating the symptoms of low back pain, and had a significant impact on quality of life in this sample of patients.