Pilates Exercises Research Articles

Effect of home based tele pilates on pelvic girdle pain and lumbo pelvic stability among pregnant women – A randomized controlled trial

Introduction. Pelvic girdle pain is one of the common musculoskeletal problems in pregnancy, resulting from hormonal variations and biomechanical alterations in the muscles that support lumbo-pelvic stability. The Pilates method, which includes mind-body approaches and focuses on core strength, provides relief from pelvic pain. In recent years, tele-rehabilitation has emerged as one of the most popular solutions in clinical practice. Aim. To find out the effect of home-based Tele Pilates on pelvic girdle pain and lumbo-pelvic stability among pregnant women. Materials and methods. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in Sri Ramachandra Hospital, Chennai, from January 2023 to June 2023. Pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain from 20-30 weeks of gestation were screened and randomly divided into a Pilates exercise group (n = 19) and a control group (n = 19). Subjects in the Pilates group followed the exercise thrice a week for eight weeks. Subjects in the control group followed standardized antenatal exercises and education. The outcome measures used were Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain level, Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ) for functional disability, and Pressure Biofeedback for lumbo-pelvic stability. Mann-Whitney test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and ‘t’ test were performed to examine the pain score, Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire, and the lumbo-pelvic stability. Results. Baseline parameters are similar and comparable. (p < 0.05). Between-group analysis revealed that the experimental group showed improvement in the pain and disability with a significant difference (p ≤ 0.001). Both groups showed significant improvement in lumbo-pelvic stability in the within-group analysis (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Home-based tele Pilates (HTPE) can be recommended as an effective and safe method for decreasing pain levels and improving lumbo-pelvic stability among pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain.

Effect of video-based exercise on premenstrual symptoms: a randomized controlled trial.

This study aims to investigate the impact of Pilates exercises on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, perceived stress levels, and pain intensity. Forty-six women with PMS participated in this study and were assigned to the intervention and control groups based on their willingness to participate. The intervention group undertook Pilates practices via video recording twice a week for 8 weeks, while the control group did not engage in regular exercise during the same period. PMS symptoms were assessed using the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), premenstrual stress levels were evaluated using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and premenstrual pain levels were assessed using the McGill Melzack Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) at both the beginning and end of the study. There was a significant difference observed in the PMSS, PSS and MPQ evaluations of the intervention group following their participation in Pilates practices (p < 0.05). Conversely, no significant difference was observed in the PMSS, PSS and MPQ evaluations of the control group at the end of the study (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in PMSS evaluation (p > 0.05) at the end of the study. However, a statistically significant difference was detected in PSS and MPQ evaluations (p < 0.05). Pilates exercise can affectively decrease the perceived stress level and pain severity in PMS affected women. This study highlights the efficacy of Pilates for physiotherapists in PMS symptom reduction. Moreover, the implementation of a self-guided video-based home exercise program could provide patients with practical and time-efficient alternatives.

Effect of Pilates exercises on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and functional capacity in patients with inhalation injury after flame thermal burn: A prospective randomized controlled trial

BackgroundInhalation injury is an acute respiratory tract injury that occurrs by inhalation of smoke, toxic gases, or steam. Early management is needed to reduce its mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether Pilates training could help burn patients with inhalation injury after flame thermal burn in increasing pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and functional ability. MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, controlled trial, sixty participants (26 males and 34 females) with inhalation injury and deep partial-thickness flame burns of 30–40 % total body surface area (TBSA) were randomized in blocks of four, with a 1:1 allocation ratio into two groups: Group A (Pilates Group); received Pilates training plus conventional physical therapy program, and Group B (Control Group); received conventional physical therapy program only. This study was conducted at the Faculty of Physical Therapy's outpatient clinic, Cairo University, 3 sessions/week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the forced vital capacity (FVC) measured by a spirometer, while the secondary outcome measures were peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC% assessed by a spirometer, strength of respiratory muscles (maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) assessed by the digital manovacuometer, and the functional capacity evaluated by 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT). ResultsA two-way mixed-design MANOVA was used to analyze the results within and between groups. There were no significant differences in demographic data between groups (P > 0.05). There were significant differences in all variables after treatment in group A compared with group B; FVC (95 % CI: 0.38, 1.13) (P = 0.001), FEV1 (95 % CI: 0.39, 0.97) (P = 0.001), FEV1/FVC % (95 % CI: 1.90, 17.19) (P = 0.02), PEFR (95 % CI: 0.47, 0.99) (P = 0.001), MIP (95 % CI: 5.12, 11.44) (P = 0.001), MEP (95 % CI: 2.57, 8.24) (P = 0.001), 6-MWT (95 % CI: 27.22, 54.96) (P = 0.001), FVC (% predicted) (95 % CI: 3.58, 12.58) (P = 0.001), FEV1 (% predicted) (95 % CI: 1.21, 11.11) (P = 0.02), PEFR (% predicted) (95 % CI: 1.33, 10.83) (P = 0.01), MIP (% predicted) (95 % CI: 2.26, 11.72) (P = 0.001) and MEP (% predicted) (95 % CI: 1.33, 10.37) (P = 0.01). ConclusionThe current study demonstrated that a Pilates exercise program in addition to a traditional physical therapy program for 12 weeks significantly improved the pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1, PEFR and FEV1/FEV), strength of respiratory muscles (MIP and MEP), and functional capacity (6-MWT) in patients with inhalation injury after flame burns. These results underscore the importance of including Pilates exercises in the rehabilitation plan for burn patients with inhalation injury. Future studies are needed to evaluate the effect of Pilates exercises on other degrees and TBSA of burn, long-term follow up, and to measure cardiopulmonary parameters.

Effect of Pilates Exercise on Post Covid 19 Interstitial Lung Disease

Effect of Pilates Exercise on Post Covid 19 Interstitial Lung Disease

The Effects of cervical mobilization and clinical pilates exercises in cervicogenic headache: randomized controlled trial.

To investigate the effects of Cervical Mobilization (CM) and Clinical Pilates Exercises (CPE) in Cervigogenic Headache (CHA). The 37 patients were randomized into the 3 groups. The CM for 1st group, CPE for 2nd group and CM+CPE for 3rd group were applied 3 days/a week for 6 weeks. Pain frequency, pain intensity, number of analgesic, were recorded. The posture was measured by Posture Screen application, the cervical range of motion by the CROM device, deep neck flexor muscle endurance by the pressurized biofeedback device. Evaluations were applied 2 times as pre-post treatment. In within-group comparison a decrease in pain parameters, neck-shoulder postural deviation and an increase DNFE and CROM were observed in all groups (p<0.05). In between-group comparison pain frequency, intensity and number of analgesics were significant changes in the CM and CM+CPE groups according to CPE (respectively p<0,001, p=0,001, p=0,018). Head and shoulder angulation were significant in the CPE and CM+CPE groups according to CM (respectively p=0.009, p=0,011). It was determined that the cervical right lateral flexion range of motion and right rotation were significant changes in the CM and CM+CPE groups according to CPE (respectively p=0,026, p=0,040). DNFE were significantly increased in CM+CPE according to CM and CPE (p=0.001). This study suggests that it would be beneficial to add CM and CPE to the treatment plans of patients with CHA.

Effects of Pilates Exercise Using Elastic Bands on Core Muscle Function, Shoulder Rotation Muscle Strength, and Ball Speed of Adolescent Baseball Players

Effects of Pilates Exercise Using Elastic Bands on Core Muscle Function, Shoulder Rotation Muscle Strength, and Ball Speed of Adolescent Baseball Players

Effects of Pilates Exercise Training on Static Balance and Lower Limbs Proprioception in Adult Females With and Without Flexible Flatfeet.

It is well known that flatfeet are associated with a higher incidence of lower limb injuries in different populations. Thus, we examine how Pilates exercise training affects static balance and ankle and knee proprioception in females with and without flexible flatfeet. Study Design. Case series; Level of evidence. This quasi-experimental study involves 91 healthy 18- to 25-year-old female university students. The Navicular Drop Test was used to diagnose flatfeet. Pilates included core strength, balance, and flexibility exercises for 16 weeks. Static balance was assessed using the sharpened Romberg test and ankle and knee joint proprioception were measured using joint position reproduction tests. The Wilcoxon test indicated within-group pre-post improvements in static balance, and ankle and knee joint proprioception in the Pilates and the healthy control group (P < .05). The between-group comparisons at post-test showed significant differences for joint position reproduction test of the dorsiflexion (P < .05, η2 = 0.10) and the plantarflexion (P < 0.05, η2 = 0.08) in favor of the healthy controls group. Joint proprioception of ankle and knee was positively correlated with increasing static balance in the healthy control group. The results showed that Pilates has the potential to improve static balance, and ankle and knee proprioception. However, it did not improve postural control and proprioception in individuals with flatfeet. Our findings advise combining Pilates with other interventions to develop flexible flatfeet in females. Level I.

Pilates Dosage in Rehabilitation of Patients With Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Scoping Review.

Pilates exercise is commonly used in the rehabilitation of individuals with musculoskeletal conditions, but dosing parameters for optimal outcomes are unclear. Large variations exist in Pilates-based protocols, and research related to specific dosing is sparse. To identify optimal dose parameters of Pilates exercise when applied to the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions. English-language articles published up to February 2023, in the PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Pedro databases. Articles where patients 20-60 years old with musculoskeletal conditions received a Pilates-based exercise intervention and reported quantification of treatment dose. A total of 72 full-text articles were assessed, with 14 meeting inclusion criteria. Scoping review. Two investigators (A.P.S., G.K.) independently identified all proposed Pilates-based protocols and outcome measures from the included studies. From the 1667 references initially found in 4 databases, 14 studies were included of which 13 were randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental (612 patients) and 1 was a Cochrane review (19,642 patients). Eight studies were of high methodological quality. The most frequent musculoskeletal condition examined was chronic low back pain. Pilates dosage regarding total intervention duration ranged from 6 to 16 weeks, but the most frequent duration reported was 8 weeks and 2 to 3 sessions per week with sessions lasting 50 to 60 minutes. This review suggests that there are clinically relevant Pilates dosing parameters that result in improved outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal disorders.

Effectiveness of Pilates compared with home-based exercises in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain: Randomised controlled trial

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of a Pilates exercise program compared with home-based exercises in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain. Design A randomised controlled trial with a six-month follow-up. Setting Rehabilitation clinic. Participants One hundred and forty-five individuals (18–50 years of age) with low back pain for ≥ 12 consecutive weeks were enrolled and randomly allocated to either Pilates (n = 72) or home-based exercise groups (n = 73). Interventions Method Pilates (Mat Pilates exercises using accessories) versus home-based exercise (postural exercises, muscle stretching and strengthening, and spine stabilisation/mobilisation), twice a week, for 6 weeks. Main measures Assessments were performed at baseline, post-intervention, and six months follow-up. Outcomes were pain intensity, disability, and health-related quality of life. Results At post-intervention, the Pilates group had significantly lower pain intensity (mean difference = −1.14; 95% CI −2.05; −0.23), less disability (mean difference = −6.7; 95% CI −11.3; −2.0), and higher health-related quality of life (mean difference = 0.102; 95% CI 0.054; 0151) compared to the home-based exercise group. At follow-up, the Pilates group had a significantly higher health-related quality of life (mean difference = 0.055; 95% CI 0.003; 0.106) compared with the home-based exercise group but there were no significant differences in pain and disability. A significant overall effect of Pilates compared to home-based exercise was found for disability (mean difference = −4.4; 95% CI −7.6; −1.1), and health-related quality of life (mean difference = 0.049; 95% CI 0.022; 0.076), but not for pain. Conclusion Although Pilates was significantly superior to home exercise for pain and disability, the differences were not considered clinically relevant. However, Pilates did provide significant and clinically relevant differences in utility.

Optimizing labor duration with pilates: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundPilates has captured interest due to its possible advantages during pregnancy and childbirth. Although research indicates that Pilates may reduce labor duration, alleviate pain, and improve satisfaction with the childbirth experience, consensus on these outcomes remains elusive, underscoring the necessity for additional studies.AimThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of Pilates exercises on labor duration among pregnant women.MethodsThe online database was searched to yield the literature using the terms of ‘Pilates’, ‘childbirth’, and ‘labor duration’, and similar terms including PubMed, Clinical Key, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews up to June 25, 2023. Studies were considered eligible if they were randomized or clinical controlled trials (RCTs/CCTs) published in English, focusing on healthy pregnant women without exercise contraindications. The studies needed to include interventions involving Pilates or exercise movement techniques, a comparison group with no exercise, and outcomes related to labor duration, the period of the active phase, and the second stage of delivery.ResultsEleven studies, totalling 1239 participants, were included in the analysis. These studies provided high-quality evidence from exercise only RCTs/CCTs. The findings indicated a significant reduction in the active phase of labor (8 RCTs, n = 1195; Mean Difference [MD] = -56.35, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] [-89.46 to -23.25]) and overall labor duration (8 RCTs, n = 898; MD = -93.93, 95% CI [-138.34 to -49.51]) in pregnant women who engaged in Pilates exercises compared to those who did not but doesn’t affect on the duration of the second stage of labor (7 RCTs, n = 1135; MD = -0.11, 95% CI [-7.21 to 6.99]).ConclusionsWhile this review primarily addresses the effects of Pilates on healthy and low-risk pregnant women, the findings suggest a potential role for Pilates in shortening labor duration. Therefore, engaging in Pilates or similar physical activities is recommended for pregnant women to potentially facilitate a more efficient labor process.

Effect of Diet, Exercise and Sleep (DES) Model in Six Months Postpartum Weight Retention and Body Composition in Thai Mothers: A Quasi-Experimental Study

ms: The amount of fatty tissue in women increases during pregnancy, leading to postpartum weight retention after delivery. Thus, pregnancy has been identified as a stimulus leading to the development of overweight and obesity. This study investigates the effect of the diet, exercise and sleep (DES) model on weight retention and body composition among Thai mothers six months to one year post-delivery. Methods: A total of 64 participants were allocated to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received health education and a Pilates exercise programme in the first month, which they practiced in months 2–6. During this time, the researchers visited their homes each month, counselling the women based on the transtheoretical model. This research had two primary outcome measures, including after-delivery weight retention and body composition, and three secondary outcome measures, including knowledge, attitudes and practices related to diet, exercise and sleep. The measures were collected at baseline and every month using a questionnaire and body composition analysis. Data were analysed using a t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. All levels of significance were set as p &lt; 0.05. Result: A comparison of postpartum weight retention six months and one year after delivery in the intervention group showed that the mothers’ weight decreased significantly. Body fat and visceral fat levels significantly decreased after participating in the programme for six months. In addition, postpartum weight retention and body composition in the intervention group were significantly better than in the control group one year after delivery. Conclusions: Postpartum weight retention is associated with long-term maternal morbidity. The intervention significantly reduced postpartum weight retention and improved body composition. Therefore, this model may be used in planning the development of maternal health behaviours in the postpartum period.

THE EFFECT OF TRUNK STABILITY TRAINING ON UPPER EXTREMITY ENDURANCE, STABILITY AND SHOULDER JOINT PROPRIOCEPTION IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Purpose: The incidence of shoulder pathologies is increasing in postmenopausal women. In this period, there is a need for protective approaches to be applied to prevent shoulder injuries. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of clinical pilates exercises on upper extremity stability, endurance, function and shoulder joint proprioception in postmenopausal women. Methods: 30 postmenopausal women between the ages of 40-60 were included in our study. Participants were given clinical pilates training for 6 weeks, 3 days a week, 60 minutes by a physiotherapist. Before and after pilates training, dynamic stability of the shoulder was evaluated with Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUES Test) and Upper Quarter Y Balance Test (UQYBT). Upper extremity muscle endurance was evaluated with the modified push up test. Laser Pointer-Assisted Angle Reproduction Test (LP-ART) was used to evaluate shoulder joint position sense. Results: A statistically significant difference was found in CKCUES Test (p=0.000, r=0.594), UQYBT (p=0.000, r=0.537), modified push up (p=0.000, r=0.594), LP-ART abduction (p=0.000, r= 0.491) and LP-ART flexion (p=0.000, r=0.484) at end of the training compared to the pre-training. The exercise program was found to be highly effective on all parameters. Conclusion: It was concluded that clinical pilates training applied in postmenopausal women increased the dynamic stability of the shoulder, endurance and position sense. Trunk stabilization exercises may be beneficial as a preventive approach in the prevention of shoulder pathologies in postmenopausal women.

Examination of the Effects of Pilates Exercises on Sleep Quality and Physical Activity.

In this study, it was aimed to examine the effects of pilates exercises applied to university students for 8 weeks on physical activity and sleep quality scores. Forty students (20 female, 20 male) studying at Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University voluntarily participated in the study. Individuals participating in the study were administered the International Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire (IPAQ); short form and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) as well as personal information forms including demographic variables. Then, the experimental group practiced Pilates exercises for 8 weeks, 2 days a week, 60 minutes a day, and the training and measurement process was completed by retaking the information obtained as pre-tests through the forms. In the analysis of the data, the normality test was evaluated with Kolmogorov Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilks tests, and Pearson correlation analysis was used for the relationships between variables with normal distribution. Independent Sample T Test was used to compare variables. Confidence interval was 95% and values below p&amp;lt;0.05 were considered significant. According to the analysis results of the participants, it was determined that there were significant differences in favor of the experimental group in the Sleep Quality score (p=,041), Physical Activity total (p=,000) score and physical activity sub-dimensions (High, Medium, Walking) scores of 8-week pilates practices applied to university students. In addition, there was a moderate (r=637) positive correlation between total physical activity score and physical activity sub-dimensions. As a result, regular pilates exercises provided statistically significant differences in sleep quality, physical activity total score and physical activity sub-dimensions and increased the daily physical activity level in participants with a sports background. In the light of these results, we can recommend pilates exercises to increase physical activity level and sleep quality.

Impact of Pilates Exercise on Quality of Life, Functional Capacity, Cancer-related Fatigue, Depression and Salivary Cortisol of Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Pilates exercise on the quality of life, functional capacity, cancer-related fatigue, depression and salivary cortisol of colorectal cancer survivors. This is a quasi-experimental study which was conducted at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia. The intervention group performed Pilates exercises with a certified Pilates instructor for eight weeks via online streaming from the participants' homes. Meanwhile, the control group participants received the usual care as stipulated by their oncologists. The primary outcome was the quality of life. The secondary outcomes were functional capacity, cancer-related fatigue, depression and salivary cortisol. Data was collected at baseline and eight weeks after the exercise intervention. The effects of the intervention were analyzed using Repeated Measures Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) statistical test. Thirty-six (36) colorectal cancer survivors were allocated into either a Pilates exercise intervention group (N= 18) or a control group (N= 18). Over eight weeks, the Pilates exercise group revealed significant group x time interactions in terms of quality of life (p = 0.003), role functioning (p = 0.012), functional capacity (p = 0.048), and stool frequency (p = 0.021). However, only the stool frequency symptom (p = 0.008) remained significant after controlling for the confounders of age, gender and stage of cancer. No significant changes in cancer-related fatigue, depression and salivary cortisol levels between the groups were observed after the intervention. Pilates exercise had positive impacts on role functioning, bowel function, and functional capacity among colorectal cancer survivors, ultimately contributing to an improvement in quality of life.

The Effect of Pilates Exercise on Low Back Pain in Pregnant Women in the Second and Third Trimesters at Edelweiss Day Spa

Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of Pilates Exercise on Low Back Pain in pregnant women in the second and third trimesters. Method: Type of quantitative research with a pre-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest design. The purposive sampling technique obtained a total sample of 32 respondents from pregnant women in the second and third trimesters. Results: After doing Pilates exercise, there were 27 respondents with mild pain (84.4%) and 5 respondents in the no pain category (15.6%). The results of the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test show a p-value of 0.000, so p&lt;0.05 so that Ha is accepted, which means there is an effect of Pilates exercise on the Low Back Pain of pregnant women in the second and third trimesters at Edelweiss Day Spa Klaten. Conclusion: There is an effect of Pilates exercise on the low back pain of pregnant women in the second and third trimesters at Edelweiss Day Spa Klaten

The effects of conventional treatment in addition to Pilates on biopsychosocial status in chronic neck pain: A randomized clinical trial.

Although guidelines and systematic reviews recommend the use of exercise in the treatment of chronic pain and neck pain, there are no clear recommendations for conservative treatments frequently used in clinics. The effect of supporting clinical Pilates exercises with passive physiotherapy methods on biopsychosocial status is still unknown. The objective was to investigate the effects of conventional treatment (CT) in addition to clinical Pilates on pain levels, physical condition, functional status, and psychosocial status in individuals with chronic neck pain. Fifty women were randomly divided into 2groups, the clinical Pilates group (Pilates, n= 25), and the group receiving CT in addition to clinical Pilates (Pilates-CT, n= 25). Both groups received treatment 3days a week for 6weeks. The CT program involved the implementation of hot pack (HP) application, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), and therapeutic ultrasound (US) to the cervical area. CT in addition to Pilates was more effective in reducing the Visual Analog Scale (at rest and during activity), Neck Disability Index, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, NeckPix Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-depression, and Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach-Biopsychosocial questionnaire scores (p< 0.05) and in increasing the degree of change in the extension range of motion (ROM) and cervical flexor endurance values and scores in the energy parameter of Short Form-36 (p< 0.05). CT provided in addition to Pilates was more effective in reducing pain levels, disability, fear of movement, depression levels, and negative biopsychosocial status and improving extension ROM and cervical flexor endurance, neck awareness, and the energy/vitality parameter of quality of life in individuals with chronic neck pain.

Effects of 60 versus 30 Minutes of Pilates Exercise on Cervicothoracic Alignment, Muscle Strength, and Endurance in University Students with Upper Crossed Syndrome.

Background/Objectives: This study determined the effects of 60 min or 30 min Pilates program on cervicothoracic alignment, muscular strength, and endurance in university students with upper-crossed syndrome (UCS). Methods: Twenty-six university students with UCS were randomly allocated into 60 min Pilates (60 PG, n = 9), 30 min Pilates (30 PG, n = 9), and control (CG, n = 8) groups. The 60 and 30 PG students participated in the Pilates program, focusing on relaxation, stability, mobility, and strengthening of the cervical, thoracic, and scapular muscles for 60 or 30 min per session, twice a week, for 12 weeks. Cervicothoracic alignment was measured using BodyStyle to determine craniovertebral angle (CVA), forward shoulder angle (FSA), head position angle (HPA), head tilt angle (HTA), and kyphosis angle (KA). We measured the muscular strength and endurance of the shoulder on the dominant side. Results: After the intervention, CVA, HPA, HTA, and KA significantly improved in the 60 and 30 PG (all p < 0.01) but not in the CG (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences between the 60 and 30 PG at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Shoulder strength differed between shoulder flexion and horizontal abduction (p < 0.01). Shoulder endurance differed between extension, flexion, and horizontal abduction (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: This study confirmed the effectiveness of the Pilates program in improving cervicothoracic sagittal alignment and shoulder muscular function in university students with UCS. Additionally, the effects of participating in 60 and 30 min Pilates programs were found to be equivalent. Therefore, encouraging busy university students to participate in at least 30 min of the Pilates program is important.

Enhancing Balance and Strength in Older Adults: The Impact of Pilates and Vibro-Swing Exercises.

BACKGROUND The Vibro-Swing system consists of 2 spiraled tubes containing 4 steel balls that move to generate a vibrational musculoskeletal and nervous system stimulus. This study included 45 older adults and aimed to compare balance, muscle strength, and proprioception with and without a 6-week program of Pilates training using the Vibro-Swing system. MATERIAL AND METHODS The present study included 45 older adults (mean age: 78.31±4.50). The experimental group (n=24) underwent a Pilates with Vibro-Swing exercise. The control group (n=21) participated in regular Pilates exercise. Both groups engaged in exercise for 40-50 minutes per session, twice a week, for 6 weeks, resulting in a total of 12 intervention sessions. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention. The pre-post test evaluated balance (gait analysis, 10-meter walk test [10 MWT], functional reach test [FRT]), muscle strength (Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test [FTSS], grip strength), and proprioception (wrist joint position sense [WRT_30°]). RESULTS The experimental group exhibited statistically significant differences in velocity, cadence, 10MWT, FRT, FTSS, right grip, left grip, and wrist joint position sense (extension 30°) between the pre- and post-test (P>0.05). The experimental group exhibited statistically significant differences in gait velocity, cadence, 10 MWT, FTSS, right grip strength, FRT, and [WRT_30°] results compared with the control group (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The Pilates with Vibro-Swing exercise resulted in greater improvements in balance, muscle strength, and wrist joint proprioception.

Effects of a Mat Pilates Exercise Program Associated with Photobiomodulation Therapy in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Trial.

To investigate the effects of combining a Pilates program with photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP). Thirty-eight adults with CNLBP were randomly assigned to two groups: Pilates exercise + active PBMT (PIL + PBMT) or Pilates exercise + sham PBMT (PIL + SHAM). Both groups performed an 8-week mat Pilates program and received PBMT on their lumbar muscles 10 min before and after each session. The following variables were assessed before and after intervention: peak pain intensity, postural balance (i.e., center of the pressure [A-COP], velocity anteroposterior [Vel AP], and velocity mediolateral [Vel ML]), perceived disability (i.e., Oswestry Disability Index [ODI] and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire [RMDQ]), and pain-related fear of movement (i.e., Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia [TSK], Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire [FABQ], and Pain Catastrophizing Scale [PCS]). Postural balance variables showed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) across time or between groups. The groups showed similar (p < 0.05) reductions in peak pain intensity, ODI, RMDQ, and PCS scores, but no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in TSK and FABQ scores. The mat Pilates program reduced peak pain intensity, perceived disability, and pain catastrophizing in adults with CNLBP, but PBMT had no additional effect on these variables. Mat Pilates alone or combined with PBMT was not able to improve postural balance.

PENERAPAN LATIHAN PILATES UNTUK MENGURANGI NYERI MENSTRUASI PADA REMAJA PUTRI

Dysmenorrhea is a disorder of menstrual blood flow or menstrual pain that, if not promptly addressed, can affect an individual's mental and physical functions, necessitating non-pharmacological interventions. One such non-pharmacological therapy is Pilates exercises, which relax contracted muscles and stimulate the hypothalamus to produce endorphins, a natural pain reliever that reduces pain. This community service activity aims to reduce menstrual pain in adolescent girls through Pilates exercise classes held in Dusun Luksongo, Tugurejo Village, Ngasem District, Kediri Regency. The program involves 10 adolescent girls as participants. The methods used include socialization, education, and training in Pilates techniques by a competent instructor. The training includes practical guidance on safe and effective Pilates techniques to reduce menstrual pain and enhance the well-being of the adolescent girls. The results of the service show that out of 10 adolescent girls who participated in the program, 8 girls (80%) reported a decrease in menstrual pain after attending the Pilates sessions, while 2 girls (20%) reported the pain remained the same. No participants reported an increase in pain. These results indicate that the Pilates exercise classes have a significant impact on reducing menstrual pain in adolescent girls, which is an important factor for their well-being. Therefore, the Pilates exercise class program can be considered effective in reducing menstrual pain and improving the physical and psychological health of adolescent girls, as well as strengthening their role in maintaining their own health.