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

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of Cervical Mobilization (CM) and Clinical Pilates Exercises (CPE) in Cervigogenic Headache (CHA). METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that it would be beneficial to add CM and CPE to the treatment plans of patients with CHA.

Identifying the Problem Side with Single-Leg Squat and Hamstrings Flexibility for Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain.

Background and Objectives: In patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (LBP), their pain and problem sides can differ. Clinical Pilates assessment provides an approach to identify the problem side, but this approach requires experience and can be subjective. This study aimed to investigate if objective measures of single-leg squat postural control and hamstrings flexibility could identify the problem side in adults with non-specific chronic LBP. Materials and Methods: Forty adults with non-specific chronic LBP were tested on single-leg squat postural control and hamstrings flexibility. The problem side of participants was assessed with the Clinical Pilates method. Paired t-tests were used to compare the postural sway parameters of the single-leg squat and hamstrings flexibility between the problem and non-problem sides. Cohen's kappa was then used to assess the agreement of postural sway and flexibility measures with the Clinical Pilates method. Results: The problem side showed smaller vertical force variance, larger sway path distances, lower peak vertical force, smaller terminal knee flexion angle, longer time to complete the five single-leg squats, and tighter hamstrings as compared to the non-problem side. However, only the overall and anteroposterior sway path distances, terminal knee flexion angle, total squat duration, and hamstrings flexibility yielded moderate to strong agreement with the Clinical Pilates method. Conclusions: Single-leg squat postural sway parameters and hamstrings flexibility can objectively identify the problem side in adults with non-specific chronic LBP.

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

BACKGROUND: Pilates 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. AIM: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of Pilates exercises on labor duration among pregnant women. METHODS: The 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. RESULTS: Eleven 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]). CONCLUSIONS: While 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.

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.

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.

OBJECTIVE: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULT: 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. CONCLUSION: 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 effects of online pilates on the mood and fear of birth of pregnant women: a randomized controlled study.

The Pilates exercise method is applied online to various population groups. This study aimed to determine the effect of online Pilates exercises on depression, anxiety, and fear of childbirth in pregnant women. Our randomized controlled study divided participants into the online pilates group (OPG) and the control group (CG). Pilates exercises were applied to the OPG according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines, while the CG was given a home program. Assessments were made before and after the training. All measurements improved after Online Pilates (p < 0.05), while there was no change in the control group (p > 0.05). While initial measurement values were similar in both groups (p > 0.05), a statistical difference was observed in favor of OPG with a moderate effect percentage in all results after training (p < 0.05). These results revealed that eight weeks of online Pilates training could effectively reduce depression, anxiety, and fear of childbirth.Trial registration:Clinical trial registry: NCT05305716.

The effect of pregnancy pilates-assisted childbirth preparation training on urinary incontinence and birth outcomes: a randomized-controlled study.

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of pregnancy pilates-assisted birth preparation training on urinary incontinence (UI) including stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urge urinary incontinence (UUI) during pregnancy, and the postpartum period and birth outcomes. METHOD: In this single-center, single-blind, randomized, controlled study, 126 participants who have 28-30 weeks of gestation and nulliparous were randomly assigned to receive either the (n = 63) or control group (n = 63). The study was carried out between March and August 2022. Pregnancy pilates intervention was applied twice in a week, a total of 8 weeks to pilates group. The control group was given routine obstetric and pregnancy care. A personal data form and the Michigan Incontinence Severity Index Form (M-ISI) were used as data collection tools. RESULTS: The mean weight gains of the experimental group during pregnancy were significantly lower than the control group. The experimental group had almost twice the rate of vaginal birth than those of the control group. The duration of labor mean score of experimental group was 5 h and 43 min less than the duration of labor of the control group (p < 0.001). After intervention, and postpartum period, the SUI and UUI severity of the experimental group was significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pilates-assisted childbirth preparation training reduced the severity of UI including SUI and UUI symptoms during pregnancy and the early postpartum. In addition, pilates-assisted childbirth preparation training contributes to decrease in weight gain during pregnancy, the increase in the vaginal birth rate, and the shortening of the duration of labor. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06185439.

Comparison of the effects of pelvic floor muscle training and modified pilates exercises in elderly women with stress urinary incontinence: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and modified pilates exercises (MPE) in elderly women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). STUDY DESIGN: Both randomized groups [Group 1: PFMT (n = 17), Group 2: MPE (n = 17)] performed their exercises twice a week for 12 weeks. Incontinence Severity Index (ISI), Urogenital Distress Inventory-Short Form (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7) were used to assess SUI frequency and level of exposure from symptoms, electromyography (EMG) device was used to assess PFM activation response and a stabilizer was used to assess transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle strength. The assessments were performed at baseline and at week 12. RESULTS: While in-group assessment there were statistically significant differences in ISI, UDI-6, IIQ-7 in both groups at week 12 (p < 0.05); in the assessment between groups, there were statistically significant difference for EMG-work avarage (U = 60.00, P = 0.02), EMG-work peak (U = 62,50, P = 0.03) and EMG-rest peak (U = 61,50, P = 0.03) in favor of Group 1 and TrA muscle strength (U = 61.00, P = 0.02) in favor of Group 2 from baseline to week 12 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In summary, MPE can be considered alternative and safe exercise in clinic for elderly women with SUI who do not want to receive PFMT for various reasons.

Effects of a mat Pilates-based exercise program for low back pain in helicopter pilots of the Brazilian Air Force: Randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Helicopter pilots may present chronic low back pain due to vibration exposure and asymmetric posture during flight. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effects of a Pilates-based exercise program on low back pain of helicopter pilots of the Brazilian Air Force. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial with fifteen helicopter pilots of the Brazilian Air Force, who were assessed for pain intensity (Numerical Pain Rating Scale), disability associated with low back pain, and spine muscle endurance in three positions: trunk extension (Ito test) and left and right lateral bridge. Individuals were randomly distributed into the regular exercises group (REG) (n = 7), oriented to maintain their exercise routine, and Pilates group (PG) (n = 8), which performed an exercise program based on Pilates method twice a week for 12 weeks. Reassessments occurred after 6 and 12 weeks. Data were analyzed on SPSS 20.0 software using a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: PG showed a significant reduction in low back pain after 12 weeks of training compared with REG (mean difference of 3.5 points, p < 0.0001). We also observed increased endurance of trunk extensors (p = 0.002) and right (p = 0.001) and left lateral muscles (p = 0.001) in the PG compared with REG. However, the indexes of disability did not change between groups. CONCLUSION: Pain intensity was significantly reduced while spine muscle endurance increased in PG compared with REG after intervention; thus, Pilates-based exercises should be considered in physical conditioning programs for helicopter pilots.

The Effects of Cervical Mobilization with Clinical Pilates Exercises on Pain, Muscle Stiffness and Head and Neck Blood Flow in Cervicogenic Headache: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background and Objectives: Physiotherapy approaches are used to eliminate the problems caused by cervicogenic headache (CHA), known as secondary headache associated with the structures of the upper cervical region. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cervical mobilization (CM) with clinical Pilates exercises (CPE) on pain, muscle stiffness and head-neck blood flow in CGH. Materials and Methods: A total of 25 patients participated in this randomized controlled study and were randomized into either the CM group or the CM+CPE group. All treatment methods were applied 3 days a week for 6 weeks. The outcome measure was headache intensity and frequency, the number of analgesics, muscle stiffness and vertebral artery (VA) and internal carotid artery (ICA) blood flow. Headache intensity was measured by a visual analogue scale, muscle stiffness by a myotonometer and blood flow by Doppler US. Evaluations were repeated after 6 weeks of treatment. Within-group comparisons were made by the Wilcoxon signed rank test, and between-group comparisons were made by the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: After treatments in the two groups, headache intensity and frequency and the number of analgesics decreased, the muscle stiffness of the suboccipital, upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles decreased, and the blood flow of the ICA and VA increased (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of headache intensity (p = 0.025) and muscle stiffness in SKM (p = 0.044) in favor of the CM+CPE group. Conclusions: Non-pharmacological treatment approaches have an important role in CHA related to the upper cervical region. This study suggests that it would be beneficial to add CM in combination with CPE to the non-pharmacological treatment of patients with CHA.

Effects of pilates exercises on strength, endurance and muscle power in older adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Pilates exercises have been used by the older adults and have shown potential to improve some components of physical fitness. OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of Pilates on strength, endurance and muscle power in older adults. METHODS: The searches were performed in the databases: PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, LILACS and PEDro until September 2022, without filters that limited the date of publications or language. The studies included were: randomized clinical trials (RCTs); interventions that used Pilates; interventions with outcomes involving strength, endurance and/or muscle power; participants over 60 years old. RESULTS: 24 RCTs (1190 participants) were selected. There is low quality evidence that Pilates did not significantly improve muscle strength compared to the control group (Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) = 1.18 [95%CI -0.71, 3.08] I2 = 93%), and moderate quality compared to other exercises (SMD = 0.01 [CI95% -0.46, 0.48] I2 = 0%). Very low quality evidence shows that Pilates can improve muscular endurance of upper limbs compared to control group (Mean Difference (MD) = 4.87 [95%CI 2.38, 7.36] I2 = 88%) and lower limbs compared to other exercises (MD = 2.68 [CI95% 0.26, 5.10] I2 = 87%). It was not possible to perform muscle power analysis due to the reduced number of studies. CONCLUSION: Currently, it is not feasible to recommend Pilates exercises as a means to improve strength, endurance and muscle power in the older adults. More RCTs covering this topic are needed given the low quality of evidence available at this time.

Acute effects of a pilates method session on flexibility and performance in practitioners of an extreme conditioning program: A preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of Pilates exercises on flexibility and performance in practitioners of an extreme conditioning program (ECP). The hypothesis adopted was that Pilates could activate deeper muscles and improve the stability of core muscles. METHODS: This was an observational cross-sectional study with individuals practicing an ECP submitted to a Pilates method (PM) exercise session. The Wells bench test was used to assess flexibility, while performance was evaluated using the Wall Ball exercise commonly performed by ECP practitioners. The perception of effort was measured using the Borg scale. RESULTS: A single session of PM exercises was able to significantly improve flexibility immediately after the exercises (p < 0.001) and performance in one of the movements of the ECP (p < 0.001), as well as decrease the perception of effort. CONCLUSION: An acute intervention with Pilates exercises promoted improvement in performance of the CrossFit Wall Ball exercise.

The effect of mulligan mobilization technique application in addition to conventional physiotherapy on pain and joint range of motion in people with neck pain.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of the Mulligan mobilization technique on pain intensity and range of motion in individuals with neck pain. METHODS: Forty individuals with mechanical neck pain were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups and a total of 10 sessions of treatment were administered to all 2 groups for 2 weeks, 5 days a week. Mulligan mobilization technique, electrophysical agents, active range of motion, and stretching exercises were carried out in the Mulligan group. In contrast, only electrophysical agents and exercises were applied to the conventional physiotherapy group. Range of motion (ROM) of the neck, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS), and Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were used for evaluation. RESULTS: Statistical analyses were done to compare the amounts at the baseline and immediately after treatment. Statistically significant improvements were found in the post-treatment ROM, VAS, NPDS values in both groups (p < 0.05). When the differences were compared, the results of the Mulligan group were significantly better than the conventional physiotherapy group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of SF-36 parameters (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the Mulligan mobilization technique plus conventional physiotherapy is more effective than conventional physiotherapy in increasing joint range of motion, reducing pain, and reducing neck disability. TRIAL REGISTRATON: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05074576).

Short-term effects of Pilates-based exercise on upper limb strength and function in people with Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: People with Parkinson's disease (PD) have impaired upper limb motor coordination, limiting the execution of activities of daily living. This study investigated the feasibility and safety of a short-term Pilates-based exercise program in the treatment of upper limb motor coordination for people with PD. METHODS: Fifteen patients - n (%) 4 women/11 men (27/73), median [interquartile range] age 66 [9] years - participated in this quasi-experimental (before-and-after) clinical trial. Patients underwent a 6-week (30 min/day, 3 days/week) Pilates exercise program using Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrel equipment. Feasibility was evaluated by adherence to the program and the ability to perform the exercises including progressions on difficulty. Safety was evaluated based on self-reported adverse events. Clinical and functional trends before and after the intervention were also computed regarding handgrip strength (HGS), fine motor coordination (9 Hole Peg Test; 9HPT), bradykinesia (Movement Disorder Society - Unified Parkinson's disease Rating Scale; MDS-UPDRS), and upper limb functionality (Test D'évaluation des Membres Supérieurs des Personnes Âgées, TEMPA). RESULTS: Of the 18 Pilates sessions, exercise adherence was 100%. The only adverse event observed was mild muscle pain. Pre-post differences were observed only for body bradykinesia and hypokinesia (1.0 [0.0] vs. 0.0 [1.0] s, adjusted p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: A short-term Pilates-based exercise program in the treatment of upper limb muscle strength, manual dexterity, bradykinesia, and functionality is feasible and safe for people with PD. Changes in upper limb bradykinesia encourage randomized clinical trials.

+Acute blood pressure response after Mat Pilates alone and combined with aerobic exercise.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) after one session of the Mat Pilates Method alone (traditional) - (MPA) and a second session of the Mat Pilates Method combined with an aerobic exercise (MP + STEP). The sample consisted of 10 adults, of both sexes, Pilates practitioners. Two MP sessions were performed, using 21 original exercises of the method. Blood pressure (BP) was measured before the beginning of the sessions, after 10 min of rest, immediately after the sessions, and 5 min after the end of the sessions. Statistical analyses were performed using generalized estimating equations, α: 5%. In both sessions, SBP (mmHg) increased immediately after (p < 0.001) and returned to baseline values 5 min post-session (p = 0.181) (MPA-rest: 113.90 ± 3.22, immediately after: 120.70 ± 3.57.5; 5 min after: 117.20 ± 2.12; MP + STEP: rest: 112.80 ± 3.03, immediately after: 119.00 ± 3.00, 5 min after: 114.90 ± 2.09). DBP (mmHg) showed a reduction in both sessions immediately (p = 0.001) and 5 min after the sessions (p = 0.008) (MPA - rest: 71.00 ± 2.98; immediately after: 67.00 ± 3 0.03; 5 min after: 67.70 ± 2.31; MP + STEP - rest: 74.90 ± 2.10, immediately after: 67.10 ± 2.63; 5 min after: 70.00 ± 2.23). It is concluded that, regardless of the association with aerobic exercise, the Mat Pilates method can be performed without significant increases in SBP and with a reduction in DBP.

Effect of the 'Pilates stance' and Pilates-based matwork training on measurements of height, waist circumference, and interscapular distance.

BACKGROUND: Standardised guidelines for stance are used to improve interobserver reliability in anthropometric measurements in clinical practice. A key feature of the stance in Pilates is the 'drawing in and up' of the abdomen. The aim of this study was to study the impact of the Pilates stance on height, waist circumference and interscapular distance, compared to that recommended in clinical practice. METHODS: 48 healthy females (median age 60 years) were assessed before and after 10-week Pilates-based matwork training. One Pilates expert and one novice took independent measurements of weight, height, waist circumference and interscapular distance (ISD). RESULTS: Pilates stance, compared to Normal, increased height by up to 2.7 cm and decreased waist up to 5.2 cm (each P < 0.001, repeated measures ANOVA). ISD decreased up to 14 mm (P < 0.001) and this decrease was greater after training (P < 0.001). After controlling for age and length of time learning Pilates, greater baseline ISD predicted a greater change in ISD after the intervention. Effect of Pilates stance was greater when the expert took the measurements (each P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Activation of trunk muscles in the Pilates stance increases height and decreases waist circumference, compared to the stance recommended in UK healthcare settings. A decrease in ISD was observed, which was greater after a Pilates-based matwork programme. There are significant inter-observer differences, therefore current clinical guidelines for stance are recommended for repeated anthropometry. The value of the Pilates stance in improving posture and the role of ISD as a marker, should be further studied in various contexts, including clinical settings.

Effectiveness of pilates-based exercises on the diastasis recti abdominis in climacteric women: a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have related the climacteric period with changes in connective tissue elasticity that may be related to diastasis recti abdominis. Mat Pilates is a method of exercise without impact that currently has more practitioners, due to its satisfactory results. However, there are no studies that evaluate the effectiveness of mat Pilates for women with diastasis recti abdominis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the mat Pilates program in climacteric women with diastasis recti abdominis. METHODS: This randomized single-blinded clinical trial evaluated climacteric women with diastasis recti abdominis. The participants were randomized into the experimental group, which participated in 3 weekly sessions of mat Pilates for 12 weeks for a total of 36 sessions, and the control group (without exercises). The inter-rectus distance was measured with a digital caliper. The G*Power Version 3.1.9.2. software was used for the sample calculation, and the SPSS 20.0 program was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The study comprised 21 women, including 10 in the control group and 11 in the experimental group, with mean ages of 54.3 ± 7.1 and 55.3 ± 6.0 years and body mass index values of 28.8 ± 5.5 kg/m2 and 29.9 ± 4.48 kg/m2, respectively. In the experimental group, reductions were observed in all the measures related to diastasis recti abdominis (p<0.05) in the supraumbilical, umbilical, and infra-umbilical regions. CONCLUSION: The mat Pilates method is effective for reducing diastasis recti abdominis in the climacteric period.

Effect of 60-Min Single Bout of Resistance Exercise, Reformer Pilates, on Vascular Function Parameters in Older Adults: A Randomized Crossover Study.

INTRODUCTION: Aging leads to vascular endothelial dysfunction and muscle impairment. While resistance exercise improves muscular function, its acute effects on vascular function vary in the literature, with some studies reporting detrimental effects. These findings indicate the need for exercises that optimize muscle function without compromising vascular function. Reformer Pilates (RP) is a low-impact exercise involving an adjustable sliding platform. However, the acute effects of RP on vascular function among older adults remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the acute effects of RP on vascular function in older adults. METHODS: Overall, 17 participants (age: 65 ± 2.76 years, body mass index: 23.42 ± 3.68 kg/m2) were examined and assigned to control and RP conditions under a randomized crossover design. The RP condition involved a 3.5-5 omnibus perceived exertion scale with 19 exercise postures for 60 min. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and blood pressure were measured at baseline and 0, 10, 30, and 60 min after exercise. RESULTS: RP significantly improved FMD at all time points compared with that at baseline (p < 0.05). baPWV increased at 0 min post-RP but returned to baseline levels at other time points. Additionally, RP showed improved FMD at 0, 10, and 30 min compared with that in the control condition (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in blood pressure or mean arterial pressure in either condition. CONCLUSION: RP enhanced FMD and regulated blood pressure for approximately 60 min post-exercise, suggesting its suitability for older adults to enhance vascular function and control blood pressure during exercise. Nonetheless, longitudinal resistance training intervention studies are needed to validate these findings.

Effect of Eutony, Holistic Gymnastics and Pilates on hamstring flexibility and back pain in pre-adolescent girls: Randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Eutony, Holistic Gymnastics, and Pilates on hamstring flexibility and back pain in pre-adolescent girls. METHODS: This randomized prospective quantitative clinical trial compared the effects of Eutony, Holistic Gymnastics, and Pilates on hamstring flexibility and back pain. The sample consisted of 80 pre-adolescent girls aged 10-13 years and divided into three groups: Eutony, with 26 girls; Holistic Gymnastics, 27 girls; and Pilates, 27 girls. The participants underwent ten 1-h weekly interventions. Hamstring flexibility was evaluated using fingertip-to-floor, sit-and-reach, and hip angle tests; back pain was evaluated using the Body Posture Evaluation Instrument questionnaire and the way they carried their backpack by the Layout for Assessing Dynamic Posture. Descriptive statistical analysis, analysis of variance, and Kruskal-Wallis test were performed at a 5 % significance level (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The three body practices increased hamstring flexibility in all fingertip-to-floor (7.77 cm), hip angle (5.58°), and sit-and-reach evaluations (9.07 cm). Before the intervention, 66.25 % of participants complained of back pain. After the intervention, only 37.50 % continued with the complaint. Moreover, 25 % of pre-adolescent girls started to carry their school backpack correctly. CONCLUSION: Eutony, Holistic Gymnastics, and Pilates increased hamstring flexibility, reduced back pain complaints, and incentivized the girls to carry the school backpack correctly. REGISTRY OF CLINICAL TRIALS: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials ReBEC (RBR-25w6kk).