Pilates training improves 5-km run performance by changing metabolic cost and muscle activity in trained runners

Abstract

PurposeStrength training improves distance running economy and performance. This finding is based predominantly on maximal and explosive strength programmes applied to locomotor muscles, particularly on the lower limbs. It is not certain whether a minimization of metabolic cost (Cmet) and an improvement in running performance is feasible with strength training of the postural and trunk muscles.MethodsUsing kinematic, neuromuscular and metabolic measurements of running at two different speeds before and after a 12-week Pilates training programme, we tested the hypothesis that core training might improve the running Cmet and performance of trained runners. Thirty-two individuals were randomly assigned to the control group (CG, n = 16) or the Pilates group (PG, n = 16).ResultsConfirming our hypothesis, a significant improvement (p<0.05) was observed for running performance in the PG (pre: 25.65±0.4 min; post: 23.23±0.4 min) compared to the CG (pre: 25.33±0.58 min; post: 24.61±0.52 min). Similarly, the PG (4.33±0.07 J.kg-1.m-1) had better responses than the CG (4.71±0.11 J.kg-1.m-1) during post-training for Cmet. These findings were accompanied by decreased electromyographic activity of the postural muscles at submaximal running intensities in the PG.ConclusionsOverall, these results provide a rationale for selecting strength training strategies that target adaptations on specific postural and locomotor muscles for trained distance runners.

Factors Affecting Training and Physical Performance in Recreational Endurance Runners

“…While the long-term adjustments of RT are still unclear, recent evidence also suggested that isometric strength training could increase tendon-aponeurosis stiffness, thus resulting in enhanced RE [25]. Similarly, Pilates®training induced improvements in RE and 5 km times in recreational runners [126]. These modifications may be associated with enhanced muscle activation patterns during running.…”

Locomotion as a Powerful Model to Study Integrative Physiology: Efficiency, Economy, and Power Relationship

“…At speeds higher than the maximal value of eff , reduction in energy transduction added to an increase in respiratory cost would trigger a more considerable increase in C metab compared with C mec , reducing eff (Levison and Cherniack, 1968). While recent evidences showed that the effect of this increase appears to be of little importance (Horiuchi et al, 2017), clinical studies observed that core muscle training reduced C metab and electromyographic activities, and increased the physical performance (Finatto et al, 2018). This observation supports the knowledge of synergism between respiratory muscle activity and postural stability, as well as their associations with locomotor performance.…”

Pilates Method Improves Cardiorespiratory Fitness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Study and intervention characteristics are summarised in Table 2. Of the 10 included studies, five were RCTs [22,29,33,35,45], two were non-RCTs [31,44] and three were pre-post studies [30,32,46]. All the studies were conducted between 2008 and 2019 and included a total of 332 participants, of which 223 were in Pilates groups (67%) and 109 in control groups (33%).…”

“…These benefits are observed not only in the healthy population but also in those with specific disorders, such as chronic low back pain [16], multiple sclerosis [25], breast cancer [26] and Parkinson’s disease [27]. The neuromuscular stimulation achieved during Pilates [28] may be of sufficient intensity to improve CRF, providing benefits in VO 2 max for individuals with different health conditions [29,30,31,32,33]. Thus, it seems that Pilates exercises include a mind–body component [34] that could have a beneficial impact in different populations.…”