Effects of 8 Weeks of Pilates Training on Isokinetic Muscular Performance of Overweight/Obese Female Adults

Abstract

Regular physical activity represents a key component of obesity treatment. Pilates training have been shown to be an alternative exercise training that presents significant improvement in body composition and muscular flexibility, besides well-designed research is needed. On the other hand, we do not knowingly previous studies about Pilates training effects on muscular strength. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to verify the effects of Pilates training on isokinetic muscular strength of lower limbs of overweight or obese female adults. METHODS: Thirty four female adults (54.2±8.7 years) were assigned to either experimental group [EG, (n=23, BMI=33.8±4.4 kg/m2)] or control group [CG, (n=7, BMI=33.0±4.0 kg/m2). Pilates sessions were provided for EG free from charge for one hour per day, 3 days a week, for 8 weeks. Isokinetic muscle peak torque (Nm) and total work (W) of dominant and non-dominant knee flexors and extensors muscles were measured at 60°/s, 180°/s and 240 °/s at baseline and 8 weeks after experimental protocol. RESULTS: Only one person dropped out of EG. Mean values for knee flexors and extensors muscles peak torque and total work for dominant and non-dominant sides measured in the three angular test velocities in both groups were not different (p>0.05) after the program compared with respective baseline values. There are also no significant difference (p>0.05) between EG and CG either at baseline or at 8 weeks after experimental protocol. CONCLUSION: Pilates training was not effective to improve isokinetic muscular strength of thigh muscles. It is possible that isokinetic strength test may be a very specific test to assessed muscular strength improvement after Pilates training. Functional tests that require muscular strength should be assessed in order to elucidate Pilates effects upon muscular strength. Supported by FAPESP 2013/08245-2