The Role of Pilates Techniques in Improving Components of the Coordinative Capacity

Abstract

The current trend in the conception, development and implementation of maintenance gymnastics programs is to pay special attention to training the small, deep, muscle groups related to the spine. This type of workout that can be called the “core stabilizer” is intended to facilitate the conscious activation of deep stabilizer muscles. This will allow control over the spine's correct position, with a direct effect on improving balance and coordination while performing movements.We started this study from the premise that the application of standard Pilates techniques in maintenance gymnastics programs will lead to significant improvement in balance and coordination in the execution of motor acts.The present study consisted of a six-month experiment involving two groups of adult subjects, practitioners of maintenance gymnastics programs in the “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacology. Both groups followed a program of muscle toning exercises using weights, elastic bands and gymnastic balls. The independent variable consisted in teaching and practical implementation of abdominal contraction techniques with the spine in neutral position, specific to Pilates concept, for the experimental group. We applied initial and final tests regarding two components of the coordinative capacity - balance and coordination to both the experimental and the control groups.