Acute Pilates and plyometric exercise in school-based settings improve attention and mathematics performance in high school students

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of acute Pilates and plyometric exercise in a school-based setting on attention and mathematics test performance in high school students. Forty 10th-grade students (21 females and 19 males; age: [15.0 ± 0.5] years, body mass index: [21.4 ± 2.8] kg/m2) participated in this crossover and quasi-experimental study. In week 1, students were familiarized with the d2 test of attention and Pilates and plyometric exercises activities, and body composition measurements were taken. In both weeks 2 and 3, students completed the d2 test of attention and mathematics test with 20 questions following a single session of low-to-moderate-intensity exercise and a classroom-based non-exercise activity, in a non-randomized order. The exercise sessions included 30 mins of plyometric exercises for male students and Pilates exercise for female students, with intensities corresponding to 10-14 on the Borg rating of perceived exertion scale6-20. Compared to the non-exercise activity, a 30-min of Pilates and plyometric exercise resulted in significant improvements in attention score (mean difference [Δ] ​= ​54.5 score; p ​< 0.001; Cohen's effect sizes [d] ​= ​1.26) and concentration performance (Δ ​= ​20.7 score; p ​= ​0.003; d ​= ​0.51). The students scored significantly higher on the mathematics test after participating in the exercise sessions compared to the non-exercise condition (Δ% ​= ​11.7; p ​< ​0.001; d ​= ​0.76). There were no significant differences between genders (p ​> ​0.05). These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of acute light-to-moderate-intensity Pilates and plyometric exercises in school-based settings for improving attention and mathematics performance in adolescents.

Effectiveness of the Mat Pilates on the postural control, plantar pressure and plantar arch of school children: A randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of Mat Pilates on postural control, plantar pressure and plantar arch (ALM) in schoolchildren.

DESIGN AND SETTING

The study was a randomized clinical trial, developed at the Early Childhood Education Institute, Londrina-PR. The participants were randomly assigned to groups: Pilates Group (PG) and Control Group (CG). Patients in the CG did not perform extra physical activity (Interventions).

PARTICIPANTS

43 children (eight to 12 years), no prior knowledge of the Pilates method, and no exercise training in the last six months.

INTERVENTION

The exercise program was based on the Mat Pilates method, twice weekly, 50 min each, 28 sessions.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Static balance (force platform), dynamic balance (the Reach Test), ALM (plantigraphy) and plantar pressure (baropodometry). The assessors were blinded to the allocation of participants.

RESULTS

Three children were excluded before randomization and 40 were randomized (PG n: 20; CG n:20).12 children were excluded during the protocol (PG n:7; CG n:5) and included in the intention to treat analysis. No significant difference between groups was observed for static and dynamic balance and ALM measures. There was a significant difference in the following outcomes for the PG: the plantar pressure on the right hemibody forefoot between pre-test 38.70 ± 14.38 and post-test 42.65 ± 15.63 (ES = 0.66; SRM = 0.50). The plantar pressure on the right hemibody rearfoot between pre-test 61.10 ± 14.18 and post-test 56.85 ± 19.39 (ES = 0.68; SRM = 0.53). No adverse or harmful events were reported in any group.

CONCLUSION

There were no differences in static and dynamic postural control and ALM between PG and CG. However, children GP showed improvement in some results of plantar pressure in relation CG.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC) (N_ RBR-8t5p7d).

Effects of 12-week Pilates training program on cardiac autonomic modulation: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Aim: To evaluate the effects of 12-week Pilates training program on cardiac autonomic modulation. Materials & methods: A randomized controlled trial of a 12-week Pilates training program was conducted. A total of 54 men were randomly allocated to either a control or a Pilates group. Initially, the RR intervals were captured for 20 min for later analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). The training protocol was then initiated, in which the Pilates group performed 36 sessions of the Pilates method for approximately 60 min each session, three-times a week, totaling 12 weeks. The control group was instructed to maintain their normal activities during this period. One week after the end of the training, the final evaluations were performed with the capture of RR intervals in both the groups. Linear indices in the time (SDNN and rMSSD) and frequency (low frequency [LF] and high frequency [HF]) domains, and the Poincaré plot (SD1 and SD2) were used. Nonlinear indices were also analyzed (approximate entropy and detrended fluctuation analysis). Descriptive statistics and generalized mixed models were performed. Results: There was a group effect for LF (ms²) and a time effect for SD2. There was a training effect observed by the time*group interactions in which an increase in global HRV indices was found for the Pilates group after 12 weeks (SDNN: mean difference [MD] = 9.82; standard deviation [SD] = 18.52; ES = -0.514; LF [ms²]: MD = 334.23; SD = 669.43; ES = -0.547; SD2: MD = 14.58; SD = 24.28; ES = -0.693). Conclusion: A 12-week Pilates training program promotes significant improvement in global modulation of HRV in the Pilates group considering the significant increase in SDNN, LF (ms²) and SD2 indices. Trial registration number: NCT03232866.

Effect of Pilates Matwork exercises on posterior chain flexibility and trunk mobility in school children: A randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of an exercise program, based on the Pilates Matwork method, on posterior chain flexibility and trunk mobility in healthy school age children.

DESIGN AND SETTING

The study was a parallel-group randomized clinical trial. The participants were randomly assigned to groups: Pilates Group (PG) and Control Group (CG). The program was developed at the Early Childhood Education Institute, Londrina-PR.

PARTICIPANTS

43 children with age between eight to 12 years, no prior knowledge of the Pilates method, and no exercise training in the last six months.

INTERVENTION

Four months of twice a week 50 min Pilates Matwork exercises were administered.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Flexibility and mobility, assessed using the sit-and-reach test, fingertip-to-floor test and photogrammetry. The assessors were blinded to the allocation of participants.

RESULTS

Three children were excluded before randomization and 40 were randomized (PG n = 20; CG n = 20).12 children were excluded during the protocol (PG n = 7; CG n = 5) and included in the intention to treat analysis. No significant difference between groups was observed for flexibility measures. There was a significant difference in the following outcomes for the PG: distance reached in the sit-and-reach test between pre-test (median 14.25[11.25-28.38]) and post-test (median 20.25[12.00-29.63]) (ES = 0.29, SRM = 0.73); Posterior angle of the knee in the fingertip-to-floor test between pre-test (median 191.60[187.20-191.60]) and post-test (median 189.00[185.90-191.50]) (ES = 0.56, SRM = 0.54).

CONCLUSION

There were no differences in posterior chain flexibility and trunk mobility between school age children who underwent Pilates Matwork exercises and the control. However, children who participated in the exercise program showed improvement in some results of flexibility.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC) (N° RBR-8t5p7d).

Hypertrophy of Lumbopelvic Muscles in Inactive Women: A 36-Week Pilates Study

BACKGROUND

The use of Pilates in various fields of sport sciences and rehabilitation is increasing; however, little is known about the muscle adaptations induced by this training method.

HYPOTHESIS

A standardized Pilates training program for beginners (9 months; 2 sessions of 55 minutes per week) will increase the muscle volume and reduce potential side-to-side asymmetries of the quadratus lumborum, iliopsoas, piriformis, and gluteus muscles (gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus).

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3.

METHOD

A total of 12 inactive, healthy women (35.7 ± 5.4 years) without previous experience in Pilates were randomly selected to participate in a supervised Pilates program (36 weeks, twice weekly). Muscle volume (cm³) was determined using magnetic resonance imaging at the beginning and end of the intervention program. Side-to-side asymmetry was calculated as [(left - right volume) × 100/right volume].

RESULTS

Small, nonsignificant (P > 0.05) differences in the volume of the quadratus lumborum, iliopsoas, piriformis, and gluteus muscles were observed between pre- and post-Pilates program timepoints. Before and after Pilates, side-to-side asymmetry was less than 6% and nonsignificant in all muscles analyzed.

CONCLUSION

Modern Pilates performed twice weekly for 9 months did not elicit substantial changes in the volume and degree of asymmetry of the selected lumbopelvic muscles in inactive women.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The benefits of Pilates in rehabilitation or training are likely elicited by neuromuscular rather than morphological adaptations. Pilates has no significant impact on muscle volume and does not alter side-to-side ratios in muscle volume (degree of asymmetry) of the lumbopelvic muscles.