Does Pilates-Based Exercise Improve Postural Alignment in Adult Women?

Abstract

A randomized, controlled trial was conducted to determine the effect of Pilates-based exercise on postural alignment. Seventy-four adult women (mean age ± SD, 34.9 ± 16.4 years) were randomized to a Pilates-based mat class (n = 40) or a control group (n = 34). Pilates-based exercise participants were taught the Initial Mat of Body Control Pilates for 6 months, twice a week, for 60 minutes per session; the control group received no exercise intervention. Repeated measurements were performed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months of the frontal alignment of the thoracolumbar spine, shoulder, and pelvis, and sagittal alignment of the head and pelvis. No differences were found in either group, over time, on frontal alignment of the thoracolumbar spine and pelvis. The experimental group showed significant improvements in frontal alignment of the shoulder and sagittal alignment of the head and pelvis at 6 months. The Pilates-based exercise enhanced some parameters of the postural alignment of women, as measured by frontal alignment of the shoulder and sagittal alignment of the head and pelvis. The significant improvement in sagittal alignment of the head may imply that 6 months of Pilates-based exercise enhances sagittal alignment of the cervical or thoracic spine.

Body posture in young women involved in regular aerobic exercise

“…However, the beneficial effects of other related forms of physical activity on the body and health have been thoroughly discussed. cruz-Ferreira et al [7] presented C7 -spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra KP -apex of thoracic kyphosis PL -transition from kyphosis to lordosis LL -apex of lumbar lordosis S1 -transition from lumbar lordosis to the sacral spinal cord the effects of Pilates exercises in women, finding an improvement in some of the postural alignment measures (frontal alignment of the shoulder and sagittal alignment of the head and pelvis). This group suggested that the significant improvement in the sagittal alignment of the head may imply that 6 months of Pilates-based exercise can enhance sagittal alignment of the cervical or thoracic spine.…”

Efeitos do Método Pilates na postura corporal estática de mulheres: uma revisão sistemática

“…Regarding the sample, three studies were conducted predominantly with young adult women 7,18,19 . Regarding quality, three studies were highly rated, being these conducted with more than 30 individuals 7,18,20 , however, only one had exclusively chosen female older adults 20 . Donahoe-Fillmore et al 19 also focused on the young adult age group, but conducted a low-quality study, with only 11 individuals, and we must be careful when interpreting the results of their study.…”

“…In the intervention, three studies adopted Pilates Method exercises on the floor 7,18,19 and only one study added equipment 20 . The preference may be due to low cost, ease of performance regarding physical space, and the fact that the exercises can be taught in larger groups.…”

“…Based on the results reported in Chart 1 and Table 2, we may affirm that there is no scientific evidence to promote the use of Pilates Method for women's posture alignment benefits. Although, among the four studies reviewed, two high-quality studies have shown that the method is able to promote general effects on posture alignment 18,20 ; and a high-quality study found no changes 7 . Hence, results are conflicting.…”

“…The study that obtained the lowest value was considered of low quality 19 . Remaining studies 7,18,20 were considered of high quality; the criteria more frequently met were the subject's distribution randomness, similarity and initial evaluation of the groups, blinding of the reviewers, acceptance of intervention, and analysis and presentation of results. Measurements of at least one key outcome were obtained in more than 85% of the subjects initially distributed per groups.…”