Pili Research Articles

The Impact of Clinical Pilates Exercises on Tension-Type Headaches: A Case Series.

Tension-type-headaches appear as the third most common disease in the general population and have a big impact on quality of life. The aim is to verify the impact of clinical Pilates exercises on pain intensity, impact headaches, neck disability, state of anxiety, depression, stress and quality of sleep in higher-education students. After a sample selection questionnaire was completed, a series of cases was carried out with 9 undergraduate students with tension-type headaches. Five instruments were applied before and after an intervention program: (i) Numerical Rating Scale-NRS, (ii) Headache Impact Test-HIT-6™, (iii) Neck Disability Index, (iv) Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales and (v) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Four sessions of 30 min classes of Pilates exercises were held for 2 weeks. The pain intensity decreased in only 2 participants. The impact of tension-type headaches on normal daily life and ability to function was improved in all patients, and only one patient's functional disability caused by pain in the cervical region did not improve. In regard to negative emotional states, 6 individuals reported improvements, and only one individual reported a lower quality of sleep after the program. The exercise program can induce positive effects on disorders associated with tension-type-headaches.

Education to keep the abdomen relaxed versus contracted during pilates in patients with chronic low back pain: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundLow back pain is a very common symptom frequently characterized as a biopsychosocial problem. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of education to keep the abdomen relaxed versus contracted during Pilates exercises in patients with primary chronic low back pain.MethodsTwo-group randomised controlled trial with allocation of parallel groups and intention-to-treat-analysis. This study will be conducted in Lavras, MG, Brazil. A total of 152 participants will be randomised into two groups that will be treated with Pilates exercises for 12 weeks (twice a week for 60 minutes). Recruitment began in May 2022. The control group will receive guidance on the specific activation of the center of strength (the powerhouse), while the experimental group will receive guidance to perform the exercises in a relaxed and smooth way. Primary outcomes will be pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) and disability (Rolland-Morris Questionnaire) 12 weeks post randomisation. Secondary outcomes will be global improvement (Perception of Global Effect Scale) and specific functionality (Patient-specific Functional Scale). The outcomes will be analyzed using repeated-measure linear mixed models. The assessors were not considered blinded because the participants were not blinded, and outcomes were self-reported.DiscussionThe findings of this study will help in clinical decision-making concerning the need to demand abdominal contraction during the exercises, understanding if it’s a fundamental component for the effectiveness of the Pilates method for this population.Trial registrationThis trial was prospectively registered in the Clinical Trials (NCT05336500) in April 2022.

Effect of pilates on the balance of older adults at high risk of falling: A narrative review

Falling is a very common phenomenon, with huge social and economic ramifications. It poses a serious risk to older adults, who are more prone to falls than younger patients and face more serious complications. Pilates is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the modern western world and some of its benefits include improving balance and posture, as well as strengthening the core. The objective of our review is to summarize recent findings on the benefits of Pilates for balance in older people who are at high risk of falling. Method: The following keywords were used to perform a search in English for the PubMed and Google Scholar databases: “Pilates and older adults and balance” for clinical studies published in the last decade. Results: Six clinical studies were included in this review involving a total of 273 older people at high risk of falling. Most studies have concluded that the Pilates method has a positive effect on balance, while one study found that it is not effective in improving balance in older adults. Discussion - Conclusions: The Pilates method can improve balance, mobility, and overall quality of life in older adults, as it reduces their risk of falling.

The Pilates method as a treatment option for musculoskeletal pain complaints in elderly women

Resumo Introdução O processo de envelhecimento está relacionado a alterações fisiológicas que podem comprometer a autonomia, a independência e a qualidade de vida dos idosos. Objetivo Avaliar a prática de exercícios físicos com o método Pilates e sua relação com a melhora da qualidade de vida e redução das queixas de dores musculoesqueléticas em um grupo de mulheres idosas. Método Participaram do estudo 31 mulheres entre 40 e 86 anos que realizaram exercícios de Pilates solo durante oito semanas. Na coleta dos dados, foram utilizados os instrumentos SF-36 e o Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares. Após oito semanas, foi realizada a reavaliação com os mesmos instrumentos. Resultados O componente físico do SF-36 evoluiu de 58,5% para 90,5%, e o componente mental pontuou 93,5%, apresentando melhora evidente nestes domínios após os exercícios, e as queixas de dores musculoesqueléticas diminuíram em metade da amostra. Conclusão O Pilates foi associado com a redução das queixas de dores musculoesqueléticas e com a melhora da qualidade de vida nos domínios estudados.

Could the pilates method be used effectively in the rehabilitation of the achilles tendinopathy?

Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is one of the most common tendon pathologies caused by excessive and repetitive loading [1], affecting both high and medium-level athletes as well as the general population [2,3]. It is a degenerative disorder resulting from a failed tendon healing response [4]. The exact pathophysiology remains unknown and is considered a disorder of a multifactorial aetiology [5] involving both endogenous and exogenous factors [2,6,7]. Clinical symptoms include pain, swelling and decreased function [3,7,8,9]. AT has a considerable negative impact on quality of life, work productivity, and participation in sports. These factors, along with increasing healthcare expenses, highlight the requirement for optimizing the therapeutic strategy.

Investigation of effectiveness of reformer pilates in individuals with fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial

Introduction and objectivesFibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, sleep disorder, fatigue, other somatic symptoms. Clinical pilates method is therapeutic modality that can be used in improving the symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of reformer pilates exercises in individuals with FM and to compare with home mat pilates. Material and methodsTwenty-eight women (age mean=45.61±10.31) diagnosed with FM were included in this study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups as reformer pilates group (n=14) and home mat pilates group (n=14). Reformer and home mat pilates exercises were given 2 times a week for 6 weeks. The number of painful regions with Pain Location Inventory (PLI), clinical status with Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), lower extremity muscle strength with Chair Stand Test, functional mobility with The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), biopsychosocial status with Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach-Biopsychosocial Questionnaire (BETY-BQ) and quality of life with Short Form-36 (SF-36) were evaluated. All evaluations were assessed before and after treatment. ResultsThere was a significant difference in FIQ and chair stand test in reformer pilates group, while in PLI, FIQ, BETY-BQ vs. SF-36 Physical Component in home group (p<0.05) compared with baseline. There were no statistical differences between the groups in terms of delta value (p>0.05). ConclusionsReformer pilates exercises had positive effects on clinical status and muscle strength while home mat pilates exercises had positive effects on the number of painful regions, clinical status, biopsychosocial status and physical component quality of life.Clinical trial registration number NCT04218630.

Does Clinical Pilates constitute a reliable rehabilitation method in “Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain” (RCRSP)?

The shoulder region constitutes one of the most complex joints of the human body suffering from a variety of pathologies mostly in its tendon elements [1]. In naming this phenomenon the dominant term is “Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain” (RCRSP), which constitutes “umbrella definition” that includes a plethora of pathologies such as impingement syndrome (painful subacromial syndrome), rotator cuff tendonitis and tendosynovitis and tendon ruptures, all accompanied with tendon stiffness, oedema development, pain and increase in tendon frailty. [2-4]. Many interventions have been used in the treatment process, both chemical (anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone, hyaluronic acid, Platelet Rich Plasma, PRP) [05, 06] and surgical (acromioplasty) [10], and also physical therapy [07-13].

Application of the Pilates method and kinesiotherapeutic approach in pregnant women with low back pain: an integrative review

The gestational period is characterized by several changes in the female body, which come from mechanical and/or hormonal activities. A number of changes take place with the main objective of maintaining and facilitating the healthy development of the fetus. Low back pain is one of the main musculoskeletal complaints referred to during pregnancy, and it is estimated that more than 50% of pregnant women are affected by low back pain, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. Physiotherapy, through kinesiotherapy and the Pilates method, enables the treatment of gestational low back pain, as well as the prevention of this disorder. Thus, the general objective of the research is to investigate the benefits of the Pilates method and kinesiotherapy in pregnant women with low back pain. Therefore, the specific objectives are to know the biomechanical changes of the gestational period, to understand the most common pathological changes that occur in the pregnancy period, to understand the so-called gestational low back pain, to know about the importance of physiotherapy in the care of pregnant women and to learn about the Pilates method and kinesiotherapy applied in this phase of female life. It is, therefore, an integrative review of the literature of a qualitative nature, and, for its preparation, the following descriptors were used: "Pregnant women", "Lumbar pain", "Pilates method", "Exercise therapy" in Portuguese , English and Spanish. The work was produced in the year 2022, between the months of March and May. The years 2012 to 2022 were established as a delimitation, with emphasis and preference being given to research from the last 5 years. The databases consulted were: Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), PEDRo and the Virtual Health Library (BVS). The main finding of this research was the evidence that the Pilates method is extremely superior to the non-treatment used by the control groups of randomized clinical trials for the treatment of gestational musculoskeletal pain. The Pilates method was also beneficial for controlling the progression of diastasis, increasing mobility, functionality and functional capacity, increasing strength and resistance of the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. It was also evidenced that the regular practice of physical exercises is recommended for pregnant women, being the moderate intensity, the duration of 150 minutes per week distributed in the frequency of 3 days a week, in sessions that vary between 30 and 60 minutes. Furthermore, it is concluded that kinesiotherapy and the Pilates method have been applied for the treatment and prevention of gestational low back pain. Both are necessary for the improvement of physical conditioning, sleep improvement, pain relief and musculoskeletal discomfort caused by the gestational process.

Sağlıklı kadınlarda klinik Pilates egzersizlerinin fiziksel uygunluk ve psikososyal parametreler üzerine etkilerinin incelenmesi

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of supervised and home-based clinical Pilates exercises on physical fitness, psychosocial status, and exercise beliefs in healthy women. Methods: Thirty-eight healthy women (mean age=29.95±7.16 years) were divided into two groups: supervised group (N=19) and home-based group (N=19). Physical fitness was assessed with modified push-up, sit-up, sit to stand, anterior plank, lateral plank, Biering-Sorensen, trunk flexors endurance, timed up and go and 6-min walking tests. Body composition was assessed with body mass index and waist to hip ratio. Psychosocial status was assessed with Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Body Image Scale and Exercise Beliefs Questionnaire. Both groups completed a 24-session exercise program for 8 weeks, 3 days a week. Results: After the program, a significant improvement was seen in the modified push-up, sit-up, sit to stand, anterior plank, lateral plank, Biering-Sorensen, trunk flexors endurance tests with SAAS, RSES and Exercise Beliefs Questionnaire scores in the supervised group (p&amp;lt;0.05). In the home-based group, significant improvement was achieved in the modified push-up, sit-up, anterior plank, trunk flexors endurance tests with Exercise Beliefs Questionnaire scores (p&amp;lt;0.05). Comparing delta values, it was observed that there was a significant difference in the sit to stand and anterior plank tests with the Exercise Beliefs Questionnaire scores in favor of the supervised group (p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion: It was seen that clinical Pilates exercises, both supervised and home-based, similarly increased endurance and muscle strength, as well as positively affected participants’ perspectives on exercise in healthy women. In addition, clinical Pilates exercises performed under supervision made a difference in both lower extremity strength evaluated by sit to stand test and endurance results evaluated by anterior plank test.

YihE is a novel binding partner of Rho and regulates Rho-dependent transcription termination in the Cpx stress response

The conjugative pilus expression (Cpx) stress response system can sense cell envelope stressors, such as misfolded proteins, and upregulate proteases to modify or degrade damaged proteins. YihE is a protein kinase implicated in the Cpx system, and Rho is a transcription termination factor in prokaryotes, but no functional connection between YihE and Rho has been reported. Here, we found that YihE can interact with Rho to form a binary complex with a stoichiometric ratio of 6:1 (Rho:YihE). A low resolution of Rho crystal structure in the presence of YihE was determined. YihE overexpression helped lessen the aberrant effects caused by Rho overexpression, including long cell morphology and other Rho-mediated phenotypes. Overall, YihE is a Rho binding partner that acts as a Rho antagonist in the Cpx stress. YihE binding to Rho would compete RNA from binding to Rho, thereby helping bacteria cope with stress through the regulation of Rho-dependent transcription termination.

The effects of Pilates on pain, functionality, quality of life, flexibility and endurance in lumbar disc herniation.

Aim: To assess the effects of clinical Pilates exercises (CPE)on the level of pain, functional status, flexibility, static and dynamic endurance of the trunk muscles and quality of life(QoL)in patients with lumbar disc herniation. Materials & methods: Individuals were divided into twogroups: the CPE (6weeks, three-times a week) group (n=27) and the control group (n=27). The clinical outcome measures were the visual analog scale for the evaluation of the pain intensity, Oswestry disability index for functional disability, short form-36for healthrelated QoL, sit and reach and hand finger floor distance test for the flexibility, side-bridge and sit-ups test for the static and dynamic endurance. Results: At the end of the 6weeks the amount of decrease in the level of pain and Oswestry disability index, amount of increase in sit-reach test and hand-finger-to-floor distance, duration of the lateral bridge and sits-ups testand most of the shortform-36 subparameters was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the CPEgroup. Conclusion:CPEwas an effective and safe method for symptomatic patients with lumbar disc herniation in reducing the pain level and functional disability and improving flexibility, static and dynamic endurance and partially their QoL. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03198273 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

필라테스 리포머 운동이 중년기 여성들의 심박변이도와 혈관기능에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in heart rate variability and vascular function by applying Pilates Reformer exercise to middle-aged women. The Pilates Reformer exercise was conducted 3 times a week for 50 minutes a day for a total of 8 weeks. The heart rate variability showed a significant difference in the measurement timing of BC, PSI, TP, and MSI among the heart rate variability factors of the Pilates Reformer group after exercise, and there was no significant difference between the groups. In all factors, it was found that there was an interaction effect between measurement time*groups. Vascular function showed a significant decrease in the Pilates Reformer group after exercise than before exercise, but there was no significant difference between the measurement time and the group, but it was found that there was an interaction effect between the two groups. In summary, the Pilates Reformer exercise showed positive changes in heart rate variability and vascular function in middle-aged women. These results are thought to show the effect of exercise on middle-aged women who did not have much experience with the Pilates Reformer exercise. Through continuous exercise, the positive effect of Pilates Reformer was shown by reducing the heart rate, physical stress, and mental stress, and by increasing the total autonomic nerve that reflects the physical condition. Therefore, if the duration of the exercise is increased, and the intensity, frequency, and time are taken into consideration, a more effective program can be constructed and presented.

Effects of Pilates Reformer Core and Mat Core Exercises on Standing Posture Alignment

Effects of Pilates Reformer Core and Mat Core Exercises on Standing Posture Alignment

Influence of the Pilates Method and Anti-cellulite Massage for Maintaining Healthy Body Composition Parameters

Influence of the Pilates Method and Anti-cellulite Massage for Maintaining Healthy Body Composition Parameters

Short-term Pilates protocol promotes improvement in the functional performance of juvenile soccer players

The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of a training program with the Pilates Method on muscle fatigue in youth soccer players. Fifteen male soccer players, sub 13-15 category, with a mean age of 13.27 ± 0.45 years, were randomly divided into two groups: Control group (n = 7) and Pilates group (n = 8). In the Pilates group, an additional training protocol was performed with the Pilates Method alone. In both groups, the concentration of cytokines (TNFα, IL-10), the electrical activity of the rectus femoris, rectus abdominis, biceps femoris and gluteus maximus muscles was evaluated and the Side Hop Test was performed. In both groups, there were no significant changes in the cytokine profile and in the electrical activity of the evaluated muscles, but there was a significant difference in the time taken to perform the Side Hop test for the Pilates group. The application of the Pilates method (solo) as an additional training in youth soccer players did not show greater tolerance to muscle fatigue, however it may have generated an improvement in the functional performance of the athletes.

Are Clinical Pilates Exercises an Effective Treatment for Scoliosis? A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of clinical Pilates exercises in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Materials and Methods The study included patients aged 15 to 30 years with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Patients were randomly separated into the following two groups: the clinical Pilates exercise group (n = 16) and the control group (n = 18). The clinical Pilates exercise group received 16 sessions of exercise. Angle of trunk rotation (scoliometer), sagittal plane alignment of the spine (inclinometer), posture (PostureScreen Mobile program), quality of life (Scoliosis Research Society-23), pain (Numerical Pain scale), and cosmetic deformity perceptions (spinal appearance questionnaire) were assessed twice. Statistical Analysis Data obtained in the study were analyzed statistically using IBM, SPSS v. 22 software. The Shapiro–Wilks test was used to assess the conformity of data to normal distribution. In the group comparisons of angle of rotation, kyphosis and lordosis angle, and anterior shift values obtained at baseline and in the 8th week, the independent sample t-test were applied to variables with normal distribution, and the Mann–Whitney U test to variables not showing normal distribution. Results The change in the pain score from baseline to 8 weeks was determined to be significantly superior in the Pilates group (p &lt; 0.001). A statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of the amount of change in the side shift and tilt measurements in the posture evaluation, with superior improvement seen in the Pilates exercise group(p &lt; 0.005). Conclusions The results of this study showed that Pilates exercises did not have a significant effect on deformity, quality of life, and perception of deformity in scoliosis, but significantly reduced back and low back pain and contributed to improvements in posture.

Physical education of students of a special medical group based on the Pilates method

A physical education program based on Pilates was developed for students of a special medical group and a monitoring system was proposed. The purpose of the study: to develop a program of physical education classes and a monitoring system for students of a special medical group based on Pilates. Research methods: analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical experiment, functional diagnostics, surveys, methods of mathematical statistics. The pedagogical experiment was organized with students of the 1st year of the special medical group, within the discipline "Physical Culture" (2021–2022). In total, 200 people took part in the study, of which 160 were girls and 40 were boys. During one year, students practiced 2 times a week using the Pilates technique, and underwent a monitoring study on the EsteksystemComplex hardware technique. The results. According to the results of the questionnaire, we found out that students of the special medical group know a sufficient number of fitness programs and have the necessary information about them. So, the first place is traditionally health aerobics, which was noted by 74% of respondents, the second place is fitness yoga (63%), the third place is water aerobics (59%). According to the results of the functional status of the students of the special medical group, it was possible to note that some of the indicators were at a low level and some corresponded to the norm. Conclusions. According to the results of the pedagogical experiment, the 1st-year students of the special medical group significantly improved their performance in static Pilates exercises, in exercises for joint flexibility and mobility, in the technique of performing a complex of exercises, and positive dynamics of the fat component of the body and heart rate were also revealed. Therefore, the integral assessment according to the EsteksystemComplex method corresponds to the parameters of the norm - 88-89 points (maximum 100 points), which allows us to conclude that students have a good level of physical condition, but a low level of response to physical exertion, low indicators of VL, as well as elevated values heart rate The Pilates method is the most optimal for the physical education of students of a special medical group in the 1st year of their studies at a university.

The effects of clinical pilates training on disease-specific indices, core stability, and balance in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of clinical Pilates training on disease-specific indices, core stability, and balance in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. MethodsAS patients were randomly assigned to either the Pilates group (PG) or control group (CG). The PG participated in Pilates training 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Patients in the CG were instructed to follow a home exercise program for 8 weeks. Assessments were performed before and after the interventions. BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, and the AS Quality of Life (ASqOL) questionnaire were used were used to evaluate disease activity, functionality spinal mobility and quality of life respectively. Static core endurance was assessed with trunk flexor, extensor endurance, and lateral bridge tests, while dynamic core endurance was assessed using modified sit-up test. Balance was evaluated with bilateral and unilateral stance static postural stability (PS), bilateral stance dynamic PS and limits of stability (LOS) tests using the Biodex Balance System. ResultsTwenty-one patients in the PG and 21 patients in the CG completed the study. PG showed statistically significant improvements in BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, and ASQoL scores, all core endurance tests, and dynamic PS and LOS results. The CG demonstrated significant improvement only in flexor endurance and LOS results. Post-intervention BASDAI, BASMI, and all core endurance tests were significantly better in the PG than in the CG (p < 0.05). ConclusionPilates training has positive effects on disease activity and functional capacity, spinal mobility, core endurance, balance, and quality of life in AS patients. Clinicaltrials.gov identifierNCT04292028.

Efficacy of Pilates in Functional Body Composition: A Systematic Review

Background: The aim of this review was to collect and systematize results of studies from the last 5 years concerning the influence of the Pilates method (PM) on functional body composition (FBC). Methods: The criteria of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were used in this review. We conducted research in three scientific databases: (i) Web of Science Core Collection, (ii) SCOPUS, and (iii) search directory of the library catalog of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education of the University of Coimbra—EBSCO Discovery Services. We found 334 articles, covering the period between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2021. After the selection process, we found 33 eligible articles. Results: The main results seem to point to a tendency to get a better body weight and body fat percentage (BFP), hip circumference (HC), waist, and skinfolds from the chest, abdomen, triceps, and supra-iliac in mostly female samples. Available evidence indicates that, in body composition (BC) and FBC, Pilates practice tends to be effective in reducing obesity as a multifactorial condition. Conclusions: It is concluded that there is a marked trend in the benefits of Pilates in FBC, which is in line with other systematic reviews at the BC level (which includes body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI)) and in the reduction of the percentage of fat mass (FM). It is also concluded that there is a vast lack of studies on the male population, preventing further scientific development in this area. The limitations of this systematic review can be overcome with studies that bring together multidisciplinary aspects of FBC, better designed and methodologically more robust, which will allow more reliable analyses for the implementation of the Pilates method in terms of FBC. In addition, further studies with a male sample or mixed samples (men vs. women) could confirm the trend of no gender differences in the benefits of Pilates practice.

Somatic Education and Mind-Body Disciplines: Exploring the Effects of the Pilates Method on Life Satisfaction, Mindfulness and Self-Compassion

This study was aimed at exploring the potential of the Pilates Method of somatic education as a tool for enhancing factors influencing wellbeing. Specifically, the study focused on investigating whether Pilates Method mat-based and equipment practices affects mindfulness, self-compassion and life satisfaction among adults. A total of 129 adults (16 men and 113 women) participated in this study. Participants completed the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Self-Compassion Scale and Satisfaction with Life Scale, and provided additional information regarding the frequency of participation in Pilates practices and demographics. Correlation analysis indicated strong relationships between variables. One-way multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine differences in mindfulness, self-compassion and life satisfaction, and revealed significant differences between Pilates subgroups. Bonferroni post hoc tests showed that participants who practiced Pilates as many as five times per week scored higher than those participating once or twice. Regression analyses indicated that mindfulness and self-compassion were good predictors of life satisfaction. Pilates positively correlated with factors that enhance positive psychology processes and wellbeing. The major finding was that Pilates practitioners can enter into a different relationship with bodily movement, transcending the physical body, fitness and exercise techniques. Further empirical research is required to explore how the Pilates Method shapes somatic experiences. Implications of the Pilates technique as a somatic and mind-body method in physical and dance education are presented.&#x0D; &#x0D; Received: 11 April 2022 / Accepted: 26 June 2022 / Published: 5 July 2022