Effects of 16-weeks of Pilates on functional autonomy and life satisfaction among elderly women.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Pilates-based mat exercises on functional autonomy and life satisfaction among elderly women. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in Caxias do Sul, Brazil in 2015, in which 61 healthy older women were randomized into two groups (experimental group, EG = 31 participants with 64.25 mean years of age, SD = 0.14, and a control group, CG = 30 participants, 63.75 mean years of age; SD = 0.08). The EG participants performed the mat Pilates twice per week, 60-min per session. The same measurements were performed at baseline and after 16 weeks. No significant differences were found between groups at baseline (p > 0.05). In the EG, the following factors were increased after the 16-weeks training period: flexibility of lower limbs, flexibility of upper limbs, strength in lower and upper limbs, aerobic endurance and dynamic balance. This study revealed significant improvements on the life satisfaction scale's score for the EG when compared to the CG, after 16 weeks of intervention. No differences were found between baseline and after 16 weeks on the functional autonomy and life satisfaction scores for the CG. According to the results of this study, it was found that functional autonomy and life satisfaction for elderly women was improved after exposure to 16 weeks of the PM, suggesting this practice helps with healthy aging.

Pilates program design and health benefits for pregnant women: A practitioners' survey.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about recommendations for safe and appropriate instruction of Pilates exercises to women during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to examine Pilates practitioners' perspectives regarding Pilates program design for pregnant women. We also sought to elucidate their views on the potential benefits, restrictions and contraindications on Pilates in pregnancy. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed. Pilates practitioners were invited to participate via email. Participants were surveyed about their experience and views on: screening processes in alignment with The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) (2002) guidelines; (ii) optimal exercise program features and (iii) physical and mental health benefits of Pilates for pregnant women. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 192 Pilates practitioners from a range of settings. Practitioners reported conducting formal screening (84%) for safety in pregnant women prior to commencing Pilates classes. Most did not routinely seek medical approval from the woman's general practitioner. Divergent views emerged regarding the safety and benefits of Pilates exercises in the supine position. Mixed opinions were also generated regarding the effects of spinal flexion exercises, single-leg stance exercises and breathing manoeuvres. There was little agreement on the optimal frequency or dosage of exercises. Views regarding absolute contraindications to exercise differed from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) (2002) guidelines which cautioned about the dangers of persistent bleeding, premature labour, pre-eclampsia, placental praevia and incompetent cervix. The most frequent reported physical and psychological benefit of Pilates was improving pelvic floor strength (12%) and improved social wellbeing (23%). CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted wide variations in practice for Pilates exercises with pregnant woman as well as low adherence to clinical practice guidelines. Further evidence is required to advise on appropriate screening and individualized Pilates programming, particularly for women with medical conditions during pregnancy.

Pilates and aerobic training improve levels of depression, anxiety and quality of life in overweight and obese individuals / O treinamento de Pilates e aeróbio melhoram os níveis de depressão, ansiedade e qualidade de vida em indivíduos com sobrepeso e obesidade

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the effects of Pilates and walking on quality of life, depression, and anxiety levels. Methods: Sixty-three overweight/obese participants were randomly divided into: control (n = 20), walking (n = 21), and Pilates (n = 22) groups. Pilates and walking groups attended eight weeks of 60-minute exercise sessions three times per week. Quality of life, depression, and state- and trait-anxiety levels were evaluated before and after eight weeks of training. Results: Scores of quality of life, depression, and trait-anxiety improved in the Pilates and walking groups. State-anxiety levels improved only in the walking group. Conclusion: Pilates and walking positively impact quality of life, depression and anxiety. The Pilates method could be used as an alternative to improve mood disorders in overweight/obese individuals.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar os efeitos do treinamento com Pilates e caminhada sobre os níveis de qualidade de vida, depressão e ansiedade. Métodos: Sessenta e três participantes com sobrepeso/obesidade foram divididos aleatoriamente em grupos: Controle (n = 20), Caminhada (n = 21) e Pilates (n = 22). Os grupos Pilates e caminhada realizaram oito semanas de sessões de exercício de 60 minutos 3 vezes/semana. Os níveis de qualidade de vida, depressão e ansiedade traço e estado foram avaliados antes e após oito semanas de treinamento. Resultados: Os escores de qualidade de vida, depressão e ansiedade-traço melhoraram nos grupos Pilates e caminhada. Os níveis de ansiedade-estado melhoraram apenas no grupo caminhada. Conclusão: O Pilates e a caminhada impactam positivamente os níveis de qualidade de vida, depressão e ansiedade. O método Pilates pode ser usado como um método alternativo para distúrbios do humor em indivíduos com sobrepeso e obesidade.

Effects of Pilates exercise on general health of hemodialysis patients.

Pilates is a type of exercise which has recently drawn exercise and health experts' attention. They have noticed that it can improve hemodialysis patients' general health. A clinical trial study was performed. Fifty hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. A demographic information questionnaire and a general health questionnaire (GHQ-28) were completed by the two groups at the beginning of the study. Then, modified Pilates exercises were carried out in the intervention group three times a week over a period of eight weeks. At the end of the study, the GHQ-28 questionnaire was completed by the two groups. In the intervention group, the difference between the mean scores of general health before (45.24 ± 9.9) and after (31.2 ± 6.9) the intervention was significant (p ≤ 0.002). After the intervention, the difference between the mean scores of the control (1.6 ± 1.3) and intervention (14 ± 0.78) groups was also significant (p ≤ 0.001).

Motor learning strategies in basketball players and its implications for ACL injury prevention: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Adding external focus of attention (EF, focus on the movement effect) may optimize current anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention programmes. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of an EF, by a visual stimulus and an internal focus, by a verbal stimulus during unexpected sidestep cutting in female and male athletes and how these effects remained over time. METHODS: Ninety experienced basketball athletes performed sidestep cutting manoeuvres in three sessions (S1, S2 and S3). In this randomized controlled trial, athletes were allocated to three groups: visual (VIS), verbal (VER) and control (CTRL). Kinematics and kinetics were collected at the time of peak knee frontal plane moment. RESULTS: Males in the VIS group showed a larger vertical ground reaction force (S1: 25.4 ± 3.1 N/kg, S2: 25.8 ± 2.9 N/kg, S3: 25.2 ± 3.2 N/kg) and knee flexion moments (S1: -3.8 ± 0.9 Nm/kg, S2: -4.0 ± 1.2 Nm/kg, S3: -3.9 ± 1.3 Nm/kg) compared to the males in the VER and CTRL groups and to the females in the VIS group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the males in the VIS group reduced knee valgus moment and the females in the VER group reduced knee varus moment over time (n.s.). CONCLUSION: Male subjects clearly benefit from visual feedback. Females may need different feedback modes to learn a correct movement pattern. Sex-specific learning preferences may have to be acknowledged in day by day practice. Adding video instruction or feedback to regular training regimens when teaching athletes safe movement patterns and providing individual feedback might target suboptimal long-term results and optimize ACL injury prevention programmes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Imágenes mentales utilizadas en diferentes actividades físicas y deportivas / Imagens mentais utilizados em diferentes atividades físicas e desportivas / Mental images used in different physical and sports activities

En esta investigación deseábamos saber si existía diferencia significativa entre distintas tareas que implicaban actividad física (pilates y bailes de salón) y tareas deportivas (fútbol sala y baloncesto) en el tipo de imagen que utilizaban las participantes. Para ello, seleccionamos un grupo de 200 mujeres (50 de pilates, 50 de bailes de salón, 50 de fútbol sala, y 50 de baloncesto), practicantes de la actividad física o del deporte, y les aplicamos la versión española del Object-Spatial Imagery and Verbal Questionnaire (OSIVQ). Posteriormente analizamos si existían diferencias significativas entre la actividad física y el deporte, y entre las diferentes actividades físicas (pilates y bailes de salón), y entre diferentes deportes (fútbol y baloncesto), en cada una de las escalas del OSIVQ. Encontramos que las practicantes de pilates tenían un procesamiento verbal, y las practicantes de bailes de salón, las de fútbol sala y las de baloncesto utilizaban imágenes del objeto. Cuando se analizó la actividad física (pilates y bailes de salón, conjuntamente), y la actividad deportiva (fútbol sala y baloncesto, conjuntamente) se encontró que tanto las participantes de la actividad física como las participantes de la actividad deportiva prefieren utilizar la imagen del objeto. Se ofrecen nuevas líneas de investigación (AU)

This study assessed significant differences in the types of mental imagery used by participants practicing sports (indoor football and basketball) or undertaking physical activity (pilates and ballroom dancing). The selected sample of 200 women (50 practicing pilates, 50 ballroom, 50 indoor football, and 50 basketball) was administered the Spanish version of the Object-Spatial Imagery and Verbal Questionnaire (OSIVQ). Significant differences in each of the scales of the OSIVQ between participants involved in sports or physical activity were assessed. Women practicing pilates were found to have verbal processing whereas ballroom dancers, indoor football or basketball players used object imagery. An analysis of physical activity (pilates and ballroom dancing) and sports (indoor football and basketball) revealed that all participants used object imagery. We propose new research lines (AU)

Nesta pesquisa, pretendemos saber se existe uma diferença significativa no tipo de imagens utilizadas pelos participantes em diferentes tarefas que envolvem a atividade física (pilates e dança de salão) e tarefas desportivas (futebol de salão e basquete). Para isso, selecionamos um grupo de 200 mulheres (50 de pilates, 50 de salão de festas, 50 de futebol de salão, e 50 de basquete), praticantes de atividade física ou desporto e lhes aplicamos a versão em espanhol do Object-Spatial Imagery and Verbal Questionnaire (OSIVQ). Avaliou-se se existiram diferenças significativas entre a actividade física e do desporto, e entre as diferentes atividades físicas (pilates e dança de salão), e entre os diferentes desportos (futebol de salão e basquete) para cada uma das escalas do OSIVQ. Verificamos que as praticantes de pilates apresentavam um processamento verbal, e as practicantes de dança de salão, de futebol de salão e de basquete utilizavam imagens do objeto. Quando se analisou a atividade física (pilates e dança de salão, juntamente) e desporto (futebol de salão e basquete, juntos), verificou-se que tanto as practicantes atividade física como as practicantes de atividade desportiva preferem usar a imagem do objeto. Propomos novas linhas de pesquisa (AU)

A systematic review of the benefits of physical therapy within a multidisciplinary care approach for people with schizophrenia: An update.

This systematic review summarizes the most recent evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) considering the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions (aerobic exercises, strength exercises, relaxation training, basic body awareness exercises, or a combination of these) within the multidisciplinary management of schizophrenia. Two authors searched PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and the Cochrane Library considering RCTs published from July 1, 2011-October 1, 2014. Thirteen RCTs representing 549 participants met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the results demonstrate that aerobic exercise significantly reduces psychiatric symptoms, potentially improves mental and physical quality of life and reduces metabolic risk and weight. Specifically, yoga reduces psychiatric symptoms, whilst Tai-chi and progressive muscle relaxation may also have benefits to patients. Two RCTs reported on adverse events. No adverse event was observed supporting the notion that physical therapy is safe in people with schizophrenia. There was considerable heterogeneity in the design, implementation and outcomes in the included studies precluding a meaningful meta-analysis. In general, the quality of physical therapy RCTS is improving and current research demonstrates that physical therapy approaches are valuable interventions and can help improve the psychiatric, physical and quality of life of people with schizophrenia.

Dance/movement therapy for improving psychological and physical outcomes in cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Current cancer care increasingly incorporates psychosocial interventions. Cancer patients use dance/movement therapy to learn to accept and reconnect with their bodies, build new self-confidence, enhance self-expression, address feelings of isolation, depression, anger and fear and to strengthen personal resources. OBJECTIVES: To update the previously published review that examined the effects of dance/movement therapy and standard care versus standard care alone or standard care and other interventions on psychological and physical outcomes in patients with cancer. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2014, Issue 6), MEDLINE (OvidSP, 1950 to June week 4, 2014), EMBASE (OvidSP, 1980 to 2014 week 26), CINAHL (EBSCOhost, 1982 to July 15 2014), PsycINFO (EBSCOhost, 1806 to July 15 2014), LILACS (Virual Health Library, 1982 to July 15 2014), Science Citation Index (ISI, 1974 to July 15 2014), CancerLit (1983 to 2003), International Bibliography of Theatre and Dance (1989 to July 15 2014), the National Research Register (2000 to September 2007), Proquest Digital Dissertations, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Current Controlled Trials (all to July 15 2014). We handsearched dance/movement therapy and related topics journals, reviewed reference lists and contacted experts. There was no language restriction. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials of dance/movement therapy interventions for improving psychological and physical outcomes in patients with cancer. We considered studies only if dance/movement therapy was provided by a formally trained dance/movement therapist or by trainees in a formal dance/movement therapy program. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently extracted the data and assessed the methodological quality, seeking additional information from the trial researchers when necessary. Results were presented using standardized mean differences. MAIN RESULTS: We identified one new trial for inclusion in this update. In total, the evidence for this review rests on three studies with a total of 207 participants.We found no evidence for an effect of dance/movement therapy on depression (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.28 to 0.32, P = 0.89, I2 = 0%) (two studies, N = 170), stress (SMD = -0.18, 95% CI -0.48 to 0.12, P = 0.24, I2 = 0%) (two studies, N = 170), anxiety (SMD = 0.21, 95% CI -0.09 to 0.51 P = 0.18, I2 = 0%) (two studies, N = 170), fatigue (SMD = -0.36, 95% -1.26 to 0.55, P = 0.44, I² = 80%) (two studies, N = 170) and body image (SMD = -0.13, 95% CI -0.61 to 0.34, P = 0.58, I2 = 0%) (two studies, N = 68) in women with breast cancer. The data of one study with moderate risk of bias suggested that dance/movement therapy had a large beneficial effect on 37 participants' quality of life (QoL) (SMD = 0.89, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.57). One study with a high risk of bias reported greater improvements in vigor and greater reduction in somatization in the dance/movement therapy group compared to a standard care control group (N = 31). The individual studies did not find support for an effect of dance/movement therapy on mood, mental health, and pain. It is unclear whether this was due to ineffectiveness of the treatment, inappropriate outcome measures or limited power of the trials. Finally, the results of one study did not find evidence for an effect of dance/movement therapy on shoulder range of motion (ROM) or arm circumference in 37 women who underwent a lumpectomy or breast surgery. However, this was likely due to large within-group variability for shoulder ROM and a limited number of participants with lymphedema.Two studies presented moderate risk of bias and one study high risk of bias. Therefore, overall, the quality of the evidence is very low. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We did not find support for an effect of dance/movement therapy on depression, stress, anxiety, fatigue and body image . The findings of individual studies suggest that dance/movement therapy may have a beneficial effect on QoL, somatization, and vigor. However, the limited number of studies prevents us from drawing conclusions concerning the effects of dance/movement therapy on psychological and physical outcomes in cancer patients.

The influence of Pilates method in quality of life of practitioners.

INTRODUCTION: The priority of Pilates is to obtain physical and mental health, including flexibility, in a secure and balanced way. AIM: To verify the change in the quality of life of practitioners of the Pilates method. METHODOLOGY: Descriptive observational study of 74 Pilates practitioners divided into 3 groups: practitioner for up to three months; practitioner for more than 1 year; and ex-practitioners. The quality of life analysis was performed using the self-administered questionnaire, SF-36. The comparison between groups was made by ANOVA one-way, then an analysis by post-hoc Scheffé, with a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULT: The group of experienced practitioners showed better results in the dimensions of physical function (mean 86.37 points; p < 0.01), general health (mean 29.48 points; p < 0.001) and mental health (mean 43.59 points; p < 0.02) of quality of life. CONCLUSION: Pilates was associated with the improvement of quality of life.

Desarrollo de un instrumento de observación en danza movimiento terapia (DMT) / No disponible

La danza movimiento terapia (DMT) se basa en el uso terapéutico del movimiento. Una de las problemáticas existentes es la escasez de herramientas para observar de manera objetiva las conductas emocionales del movimiento. Objetivo: desarrollar una pauta de observación en castellano que permita evaluar las conductas del movimiento relacionadas con la dimensión de relaciones interpersonales. Método: se hizo una revisión bibliográfica de los sistemas de codificación más empleados en DMT, la definición de las dimensiones, una construcción preliminar de la escala y por último, una evaluación piloto con un grupo de pacientes de salud mental. Resultados: se establecieron tres variables (relaciones interpersonales, utilización del espacio y la participación) con 29 ítems evaluados durante la sesión terapéutica que permiten su aplicación en grupo y con medida cualitativa y cuantitativa. Conclusiones: Este instrumento permite objetivar resultados, hacer una valoración inicial, durante y al final del tratamiento y la redacción de la memoria de cada sesión. (AU)

The dance movement therapy (DMT) is based on the therapeutic use of movement. One of the existing problems is the lack of objective evaluation tools to measure the emotional behaviors of the movement. Objective: to develop an observation tool in spanish to assess related movement behaviors evaluated in the different dimensions and items to consider in the psychotherapeutic work done with DMT. Method: a literature review of the coding systems used in DMT was done, the scale dimensions were defined, a preliminary construction of the observation tool and a preliminary evaluation with mental health patients was done. Results: three main outcomes where established: the observation of the interpersonal relationship, the space use and participation inside the therapeutic space with29 items applicable to the group and with quantitative and qualitative measures. Conclusions: this observation tool allows an objective evaluation to make an initial assessment, during and after treatment and to write memory as a guide for each session (AU)

Dance/movement therapy for improving psychological and physical outcomes in cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Current cancer care increasingly incorporates psychosocial interventions. Cancer patients use dance/movement therapy to learn to accept and reconnect with their bodies, build new self-confidence, enhance self-expression, address feelings of isolation, depression, anger and fear and to strengthen personal resources. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of dance/movement therapy and standard care with standard care alone or standard care and other interventions in patients with cancer. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 2), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, LILACS, Science Citation Index, CancerLit, International Bibliography of Theatre and Dance, Proquest Digital Dissertations, ClinicalTrials.gov, Current Controlled Trials and the National Research Register (all to March 2011). We handsearched dance/movement therapy and related topics journals, reviewed reference lists and contacted experts. There was no language restriction. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials of dance/movement therapy interventions for improving psychological and physical outcomes in patients with cancer. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently extracted the data and assessed the methodological quality. Results were presented using standardized mean differences. MAIN RESULTS: We included two studies with a total of 68 participants. No evidence was found for an effect of dance/movement therapy on body image in women with breast cancer. The data of one study with moderate risk of bias suggested that dance/movement therapy had a large beneficial effect on participants' quality of life (QoL). The second trial reported a large beneficial effect on fatigue. However, this trial was at high risk of bias. The individual studies did not find support for an effect of dance/movement therapy on mood, distress,and mental health. It is unclear whether this was due to ineffectiveness of the treatment or limited power of the trials. Finally, the results of one study did not find evidence for an effect of dance/movement therapy on shoulder range of motion (ROM) or arm circumference in women who underwent a lumpectomy or breast surgery. However, this was likely due to large within-group variability for shoulder ROM and a limited number of participants with lymphedema. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We did not find support for an effect of dance/movement therapy on body image. The findings of one study suggest that dance/movement therapy may have a beneficial effect on QoL. However, the limited number of studies prevents us from drawing conclusions concerning the effects of dance/movement therapy on psychological and physical outcomes in cancer patients.

The historical development of Chinese group callisthenics.

The history of Chinese group callisthenics can be traced back to the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties. Modern callisthenics was brought to China in the Republic of China Era (1912-49) and developed rapidly in the People's Republic of China Era (1949 to the present). Since the foundation of the People's Republic of China in 1949, group callisthenics has developed in five stages: the formation of systemisation, the breakthrough, the multiple development and the comprehensive development. Today, Chinese group callisthenics has become world-famous and has continued its development from its own system and style.

Yoga and Pilates: associations with body image and disordered-eating behaviors in a population-based sample of young adults.

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between participating in mind-body activities (yoga/Pilates) and body dissatisfaction and disordered eating (unhealthy and extreme weight control practices and binge eating) in a population-based sample of young adults. METHOD: The sample included 1,030 young men and 1,257 young women (mean age: 25.3 years, SD = 1.7) who participated in Project EAT-III (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults). RESULTS: Among women, disordered eating was prevalent in yoga/Pilates participants and nonparticipants, with no differences between the groups. Men participating in yoga/Pilates were more likely to use extreme weight control behaviors (18.6% vs. 6.8%, p = .006) and binge eating (11.6% vs. 4.2%, p = .023), and marginally more likely to use unhealthy weight control behaviors (49.1% vs. 34.5%; p = .053), than nonparticipants after adjusting for sociodemographics, weight status, and overall physical activity. DISCUSSION: Findings suggest the importance of helping yoga/Pilates instructors recognize that their students may be at risk for disordered eating.

Developing mindfulness in college students through movement-based courses: effects on self-regulatory self-efficacy, mood, stress, and sleep quality.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether mindfulness increased through participation in movement-based courses and whether changes in self-regulatory self-efficacy, mood, and perceived stress mediated the relationship between increased mindfulness and better sleep. PARTICIPANTS: 166 college students enrolled in the 2007-2008 academic year in 15 week classes in Pilates, Taiji quan, or GYROKINESIS. METHODS: At beginning, middle, and end of the semester, participants completed measures of mindfulness, self-regulatory self-efficacy, mood, perceived stress, and sleep quality. RESULTS: Total mindfulness scores and mindfulness subscales increased overall. Greater changes in mindfulness were directly related to better sleep quality at the end of the semester after adjusting for sleep disturbance at the beginning. Tiredness, Negative Arousal, Relaxation, and Perceived Stress mediated the effect of increased mindfulness on improved sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Movement-based courses can increase mindfulness. Increased mindfulness accounts for changes in mood and perceived stress, which explain, in part, improved sleep quality.