Effects of tai chi, ba duan jin, and walking on the mental health status of urban older people living alone: the mediating role of social participation and the moderating role of the exercise environment.

With the global trend of aging, lacking of interpersonal communication and spiritual support and companionship have had a great impact on the mental health of older people living alone. This study examines the multifaceted impacts of engaging in tai chi, ba duan jin, and walking on the mental wellbeing of older people residing alone in urban areas. Additionally, this research aims to explore the association between tai chi, ba duan jin, and walking, and the mental health status of urban older people living alone, by considering the mediating influence of social participation and the moderating influence of the exercise environment. To do so, 1,027 older people living alone in six Chinese cities were investigated using the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), the Geriatric Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the Social Participation Indicator System Scale, and the Exercise Environment Scale. SPSS 25.0 was utilized for conducting mathematical statistical analysis, specifically for doing linear regression analysis. Additionally, AMOS was employed to develop the study model. We found that a significant negative correlation between tai chi, ba duan jin, and walking and mental health status; among these, tai chi had the greatest impact on the mental health status of urban older people living alone. Social participation mediated the relationship between tai chi, ba duan jin, walking, and mental health status, and the exercise environment had a moderating effect on this relationship. The findings of this study indicate that tai chi, ba duan jin, and walking have a positive impact on the mental health of urban older people living alone, which can be influenced by the mediating efficacy of social participation and the moderating effect of the exercise environment.

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with Pilates-based exercises in the treatment of chronic low back pain in outpatient rehabilitation service in Brazil: double-blind randomised controlled trial protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic low back pain may be associated with pathoanatomical, neurophysiological, physical, psychological and social factors; thus, treatments to reduce symptoms are important to improve the quality of life of this population. We aimed to evaluate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with Pilates-based exercises compared with sham stimulation on pain, quality of life and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a protocol for a double-blind randomised controlled trial with participants, outcome assessor and statistician blinded. We will include 36 individuals with a history of non-specific chronic low back pain for more than 12 weeks and minimum pain intensity of 3 points on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Individuals will be randomised into two groups: (1) active tDCS combined with Pilates-based exercises and (2) sham tDCS combined with Pilates-based exercises. Three weekly sessions of the protocol will be provided for 4 weeks, and individuals will be submitted to three assessments: the first (T0) will be performed before the intervention protocol, the second (T1) immediately after the intervention protocol and the third (T2) will be a follow-up 1 month after the end of the intervention. We will assess pain, disability, central sensitisation, quality of life, pressure pain threshold, global impression of change, adverse events and medication use. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire will be used at T1 to assess pain and disability, respectively, as primary outcome measures. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This trial was prospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov website and ethically approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences of Trairi (report number: 5.411.244) before data collection. We will publish the results in a peer-reviewed medical journal and on institution websites. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05467566).

Sincronismo muscular en patrones de movimiento de miembros superiores descritos por Kabat: latencia al inicio del pico de la máxima activación electromiográfica / Muscle timing in upper limb movement patterns described by Kabat: Latency at the beginning of the peak of maximum electromyographic activation

Introducción El método Kabat sostiene que el sincronismo normal se produce de distal a proximal, lo cual requiere evidencia electromiográfica. Objetivo Describir el sincronismo muscular de patrones motores de miembros superiores descritos por Kabat, en posiciones sedente y supina, a partir de la medición de la latencia al inicio del pico de la máxima activación electromiográfica (IPMA-EMG) de músculos seleccionados. Material y métodos Se realizó un estudio analítico comparativo. Se evaluó a 20 hombres y 20 mujeres entre 19 y 26 años. Cada participante realizó 3repeticiones activas sin resistencia externa de cada uno de los patrones de movimiento (flexor y extensor) de las 2diagonales. Se registró la latencia del IPMA-EMG para cada uno de los 8músculos evaluados en los 4patrones de movimiento, tanto en supino como en sedente. Estos se promediaron y se ordenaron de menor a mayor para obtener la secuencia de contracciones musculares en cada patrón de movimiento. Se compararon las secuencias obtenidas para cada patrón en sedente y supino y se valoró la existencia de correlaciones entre ellas. Resultados Se observó correlación significativa en las secuencias del IPMA-EMG entre posiciones supina y sedente, en todos los patrones de movimiento (p<0,05), excepto en el patrón extensor de la primera diagonal (p=0,139). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre posiciones en ninguno de los patrones (p>0,05). Conclusiones Aunque con variaciones en la IPMA-EMG, se halló, en general, un sincronismo muscular de proximal a distal, más evidenciado en la posición sedente y en los patrones flexores (AU)

Introduction The Kabat method argues that normal synchronism occurs from distal to proximal, which requires electromyographic evidence. Objective To describe the muscular timing of motor patterns of the upper limbs described by Kabat, in seated and supine positions, from the measurement of the latency at the beginning of the peak of the maximum electromyographic activation (BPM-EMG-A) of selected muscles. Material and methods A comparative analytical study was carried out. Twenty men and 20 women between 19 and 26 years old were evaluated. Each participant performed 3active repetitions without external resistance of each of the movement patterns (flexor and extensor) of the 2diagonals. BPM-EMG-A latency was recorded for each of the 8muscles tested in the 4movement patterns, both supine and seated. These were averaged and ordered from lowest to highest to obtain the sequence of muscle contractions in each movement pattern. The sequences obtained for each pattern in seated and supine were compared and the existence of correlations between them was assessed. Results Significant correlation was observed in the BPM-EMG-A sequences between supine and seated positions, in all movement patterns (P<0.05), except in the extensor pattern of the first diagonal (P=0.139). There were no statistically significant differences between positions in any of the patterns (P>0.05). Conclusion Although with variations in BPM-EMG-A, muscle timing was generally found from proximal to distal, more evident in the sitting position and in flexor patterns (AU)

Effect of the pilates method on pain and quality of life in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: More than two-thirds of pregnant women experience low back pain during pregnancy. This condition increases with advancing pregnancy, interfering with work, daily activities and sleep. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of the Pilates method in comparison to prenatal care on the control of lower back pain in pregnant women. SEARCH METHODS: Electronic searches were carried out with no language or year of publication restriction in the databases Medline via Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, PEDro, and SPORTDiscus on 20 March 2021. The keywords "Pilates" and "Pregnancy" were applied and the search strategies, adapted to each databank. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized clinical trials with pregnant women with muscle pain symptoms and Pilates as an intervention method in comparison to conventional prenatal care were considered. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy. The critical evaluation was done using the Risk of Bias tool assess the quality and GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence. We conducted a meta-analysis for the main outcome "pain". RESULTS: through our searches, 687 papers were identified, but only two fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Only two studies compared Pilates with a control group without physical exercise for pain in the short term. In the meta-analysis, there was a significant difference for pain in the comparison between the Pilates group and the control group without exercise; the mean difference (MD) was -23.09 (95% CI), from -31.07 to -15.10, p = 0.001, for 65 individuals (33 in the Pilates group and 32 in the conventional group). Limitation found was the lack of blinding of therapists and participants and the small sample size of individual studies. In addition, no adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION: There is moderate-quality evidence that Pilates exercise may reduce pregnancy-related low-back pain more than usual prenatal or no exercise. Prospero registration number CRD42021223243.

Effects of Pilates exercises on cardiorespiratory fitness: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggest that Pilates improves cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). However, there is a lack of systematic review studies on this topic. Our aim was to verify the effects of Pilates exercises on CRF in healthy adults. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in: PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, LILACS, and PEDro (search on January 12, 2023). Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. A meta-analysis was performed using the standardized mean difference (SMD). The quality of evidence was rated by the GRADE system. RESULTS: In total, 12 RCTs were eligible (569 participants). Only three studies presented high methodological quality. Very low to low quality evidence showed that: a) Pilates was superior to control groups (SMD = 0.96 [CI95% 0.39 to 1.54] n = 457, studies = 12), even when only high methodological quality studies were included (SMD = 1.14 [CI95% 0.25 to 2.04] n = 129, studies = 3); b) to be effective, Pilates needed to be performed for ≥1440 min; c) the effects were significant regardless of the form of Pilates application (mat or equipment); d) Pilates was not different from other exercises regarding the effects on CRF. CONCLUSION: Pilates had a large effect on CRF, provided that it was administered for at least 1440 min (equivalent to 2x-week for three months or 3x-week for two months). However, due to the low quality of the evidence, these results should be interpreted with caution.

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

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of clinical Pilates training on disease-specific indices, core stability, and balance in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. METHODS: AS patients were randomly assigned to either the Pilates group (PG) or control group (CG). The PG participated in Pilates training 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Patients in the CG were instructed to follow a home exercise program for 8 weeks. Assessments were performed before and after the interventions. BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, and the AS Quality of Life (ASqOL) questionnaire were used were used to evaluate disease activity, functionality spinal mobility and quality of life respectively. Static core endurance was assessed with trunk flexor, extensor endurance, and lateral bridge tests, while dynamic core endurance was assessed using modified sit-up test. Balance was evaluated with bilateral and unilateral stance static postural stability (PS), bilateral stance dynamic PS and limits of stability (LOS) tests using the Biodex Balance System. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients in the PG and 21 patients in the CG completed the study. PG showed statistically significant improvements in BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, and ASQoL scores, all core endurance tests, and dynamic PS and LOS results. The CG demonstrated significant improvement only in flexor endurance and LOS results. Post-intervention BASDAI, BASMI, and all core endurance tests were significantly better in the PG than in the CG (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pilates training has positive effects on disease activity and functional capacity, spinal mobility, core endurance, balance, and quality of life in AS patients. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04292028.

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

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

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

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

Can mat Pilates and belly dance be effective in improving body image, self-esteem, and sexual function in patients undergoing hormonal treatment for breast cancer? A randomized clinical trial.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a 16-week exercise intervention (mat Pilates or belly dance) on body image, self-esteem and sexual function in breast cancer survivors receiving hormone therapy. Seventy-four breast cancer survivors were randomly allocated into mat Pilates, belly dance, or control group. The physical activity groups received a 16-week intervention, delivered 3 days a week, and 60 min a session. The control group received three education sessions. Data collection occurred at baseline, post-intervention, 6 and 12 months of follow-up with a questionnaire including body image (Body Image After Breast Cancer Questionnaire), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index) measures. The belly dance group significantly improved body image on limitations scale in the short term and long term, the mat Pilates significantly improved body image on limitations only in the long term, and the control group significantly decreased body image on limitations in the long term. The belly dance group experienced reduced discomfort and pain during sexual relations in the short and long term. All groups showed a significant improvement in self-esteem, but orgasm sub-scale scores declined over time. No adverse events were found for any of the exercise intervention groups. Belly dance seem to be more effective than mat Pilates and control group in improving limitations of body image and sexual discomfort in the short term for breast cancer survivors. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03194997) - "Pilates and Dance to Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment".

Mat Pilates improves lower and upper body strength and flexibility in breast cancer survivors undergoing hormone therapy: a randomized controlled trial (HAPiMat study).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of 24 weeks of Mat Pilates in breast cancer survivors (BCS) undergoing hormone therapy on lower and upper body muscle strength parameters and flexibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-three BCS (≥40 years) with confirmed breast cancer stage 0-III undergoing hormone therapy were included. Participants were randomized into Mat Pilates (three times/week, 60 min session) or control group (relaxation activities every two weeks). The difficulty and number of exercise repetitions were increased over the weeks. Assessments were performed at three times points (baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks). The generalized estimating equations (GEE) model was used to compare each outcome measure during the analysis of intention to treat (ITT) and "Per protocol analysis" (PPA). RESULTS: The Pilates group presented significantly increased (p < 0.05) isometric flexor-extensor PT, and concentric and eccentric flexor PT and mechanical work (MW) after the intervention. Most of the upper body strength parameters, time to achieve maximal force (TFmax), maximal force (Fmax), and rapid force index (RFI) and right-left upper and lower body flexibility (p < 0.05) also improved. CONCLUSIONS: From our findings, we conclude that 24 and 12-weeks of Mat Pilates induced strength and flexibility gains for lower and upper body, respectively.Implications for rehabilitationMat Pilates can be adapted to the fitness level of breast cancer survivors, with a great variety of exercises that can be performed using a mat only or a few pieces of equipment.Patients can practice at home to gain different health benefits (i.e., increasing strength, flexibility, and functional capacity level), which could positively impact on quality of life.Mat Pilates performed three times per week with systematized increments in exercise level, load, and volume throughout the intervention was effective to improve hip extensor-flexor muscles peak torque and mechanical work at different muscle contractions, as well as upper and lower body flexibility.Mat Pilates was also able to improve right-left shoulder abductor and trunk extensor muscles strength parameters after 12 weeks of intervention, as well as both surgery and non-surgery sides of the upper body.

Pilates-based exercises for gait and balance in ambulant children with cerebral palsy: feasibility and clinical outcomes of a randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To determine if Pilates-based exercise classes could be feasible and effective in changing gait kinematics and balance in ambulant children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-blind multi-centre randomised controlled trial compared a four-week, twice-weekly Pilates-based exercise class to a usual exercise control, for ambulant children with CP. Clinical outcome measures were three-dimensional trunk and lower limb kinematics during walking on level ground, uneven ground and crossing an obstacle; and clinical balance measures. Feasibility outcomes were adherence and enjoyment. RESULTS: Forty-six children (29 male, mean age 10 years 8 months (range 7-17 years), 23 per group) participated. After the four-week intervention, there were no significant between-group differences in trunk or lower limb gait kinematics. Differences were detected in Berg Balance Scale (1.38 points, 95% CI 0.58-2.18) and Functional Walking Test (1.40 points, 95% CI 0.58-2.22), but they were less than the minimum clinically important difference and therefore clinically insignificant. Median class attendance was 5/8 classes. CONCLUSION: Pilates-based exercises did not change lower limb or trunk kinematics during walking in children with CP and had a clinically insignificant impact on balance. Lower than anticipated adherence prompts consideration of more flexible delivery of future interventions. Implications for RehabilitationAmbulant children with CP can experience impairment of trunk control, negatively impacting balance and gait.In this study, Pilates-based exercise classes did not change kinematics of the trunk or lower limbs during walking and led to negligible improvement in functional balance.Children did not manage to do their Home Exercise Programme, indicating that Pilates-based exercise should be delivered within supervised practice.Children missed on average one in three classes due to unforeseen circumstances, so this should be anticipated when planning group classes.

Ensayo clínico sobre el efecto de la terapia Vojta en personas con esclerosis multiple. Un estudio piloto / Clinical trial on the effect of Vojta therapy in people with multiple sclerosis. A pilot study

Introducción: La dificultad en la marcha, equilibrio y la presencia de la fatiga son las principales causas que generan mayor discapacidad en los pacientes con esclerosis múltiple (EM), siendo necesario un modelo de tratamiento orientado a su mejoría. Objetivo Este estudio trata de investigar los efectos de la terapia Vojta sobre la marcha, equilibrio y fatiga en personas con EM para determinar si es una técnica de elección como tratamiento. Material y métodos Estudio de tipo experimental, prospectivo y controlado. La muestra utilizada tras los criterios de inclusión y exclusión es de 14 usuarios (n = 14), pertenecientes a la asociación de esclerosis múltiple de Extremadura (EMEX). El grupo control recibe intervención de fisioterapia dos veces por semana y el grupo intervención además de la fisioterapia pactada, recibe dos sesiones de terapia Vojta por semana durante seis semanas y se valoran los resultados al termino de estas semanas y al mes de no intervención. Las variables estudiadas son marcha, equilibrio y fatiga. Resultados Al comparar la intervención de fisioterapia sobre fisioterapia más el uso de terapia Vojta, los resultados son estadísticamente significativos con mejoras tanto en la marcha (p = 0,018) como en equilibrio (p = 0,026), demostrando cómo el uso de la terapia Vojta mejora la marcha y el equilibrio en la muestra de representación. Tras el mes de no intervención con terapia Vojta las mejorías en el grupo intervención se mantienen de forma estadísticamente significativa (p = 0,05 en la marcha y p = 0,021 en el equilibrio). Conclusión En la muestra estudiada, el uso de la terapia Vojta, consigue una mejora tanto en la marcha como en el equilibrio de los pacientes con EM. Es necesario seguir investigando qué técnicas son las más eficaces dentro del tratamiento de la EM, con modelos de ensayo clínico aleatorizados y controlados cuyo tamaño de muestra sea más numeroso (AU)

Introduction: Difficulty in walking, balance and the presence of fatigue are the main causes that generate greater disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), requiring a treatment model aimed at improvement. Objective This study investigated the effects of Vojta therapy on walking, balance and fatigue in people with MS and to determine if it is a technique of choice in this type of users. Material and methods Experimental study, in the form of a prospective and controlled clinical study. The sample used after the inclusion and exclusion criteria is 14 users (n = 14), selected from the population currently available for treatment by the Multiple Sclerosis Association of Extremadura (EMEX). The control group received physiotherapy twice a week and the intervention group, in addition to the agreed physiotherapy, received 2 sessions of Vojta therapy per week for 6 weeks and the results was evaluated at the end of these weeks and at the end of the month of no intervention. The variables studied were gait, balance and fatigue. Results When comparing the physiotherapy intervention on physiotherapy plus the use of Vojta therapy, the results are statistically significant with improvements in both gait (p = 0.018) and balance (p = 0.026), establishing how the use of Vojta therapy improves gait and balance in the representation sample. After the month of non-intervention with Vojta therapy, the improvements in the intervention group remain statistically significant (p = 0.05 in gait and p = 0.021 in balance). Conclusión In the sample studied, the use of Vojta therapy achieves an improvement in both walking speed and balance in patients with MS. Further research is necessary on which techniques are most effective within the treatment of balance, gait and fatigue in MS, with randomised clinical trial models and more numerous representative samples (AU)

Pilates and Cognitive Stimulation in Dual Task an Intervention Protocol to Improve Functional Abilities and Minimize the Rate of Age-Related Cognitive Decline in Postmenopausal Women.

It is already known the effectiveness of Pilates training on cognitive and functional abilities. It is also known that dual-task exercise and cognitive stimuli improve cognition and functional capacity. However, no previous report combined cognitive stimuli and Pilates in dual task and measured its effects on the cognitive and physical performances of postmenopausal women. OBJECTIVE: To apply an interventional dual-task (PILATES-COG) protocol and to evaluate its influence on memory, language, and functional physical performances on healthy, community-dwelling postmenopausal older women. METHODS: 47 women with amenorrhea for at least 12 months participated in this study. Those allocated on the PILATES-COG group underwent a 12-week, twice a week regimen of 50 min sessions of simultaneous mat Pilates exercise program and cognitive tasks. Cognitive and physical functional performance were assessed. Two-way mixed ANOVA was used for data analysis, and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used for within- and between-group comparisons. RESULTS: The PILATES-COG group showed significant improvement after the intervention in semantic verbal fluency (p < 0.001; ηρ² = 0.268), phonological verbal fluency (p < 0.019; ηρ² = 0.143), immediate memory (p < 0.001; ηρ² = 0.258), evocation memory (p < 0.001 ηρ² = 0.282), lower-limb muscle strength (p < 0.001; ηρ² = 0.447), balance (p < 0.001; ηρ² = 0.398), and dual-ask cost (p < 0.05; ηρ² = 0.111) assessments on healthy, community-dwelling postmenopausal older women. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of a feasible and effective approach using Pilates and cognitive stimulation in dual task for the reduction of age-related cognitive decline and the improvement of physical functional performance in healthy postmenopausal women.

Does 8-Week Resistance Training with Slow Movement Cadenced by Pilates Breathing Affect Muscle Strength and Balance of Older Adults? An Age-Matched Controlled Trial.

This study investigated the balance and dorsiflexion strength of older adults after eight weeks of resistance training, with the exercise velocity cadenced by the Pilates breathing technique and the volume modulated by the session duration. Forty-four older adults were divided into two groups: resistance training (TR; n = 22) and resistance training with the Pilates breathing technique cadencing all exercises (TR + P; n = 22), both during eight weeks. The total exercising volume was controlled by time of execution (50 min/session). The dorsiflexion strength and balance were assessed. The RT group showed higher dorsiflexion strength after the protocol: Right (RT = 29.1 ± 7.7 vs. RT + P = 22.9 ± 5.2, p = 0.001) and Left (RT = 29.5 ± 6.9 vs. RT + P = 24.0 ± 5.2, p = 0.001). All balance parameters were improved in RT + P group compared to its own baseline: Path Length (cm) (pre = 71.0 ± 14.3 vs. post = 59.7 ± 14.3, p = 0.003); Sway Velocity (cm/s) (pre = 3.6 ± 0.7; post = 2.9 ± 0.7; p = 0.001); Sway Area (cm2) (pre = 8.9 ± 5.3 vs. post = 5.7 ± 2.1, p = 0.003); Excursion Medio Lateral (cm) (pre = 3.0 ± 0.7 vs. post = 2.6 ± 0.5 cm, p = 0.002); and Excursion AP (cm) (pre = 3.6 ± 1.4 vs. post = 2.8 ± 0.7 cm, p = 0.010). Resistance training using slower velocity movement cadenced by Pilates breathing technique produced balance improvements compared to baseline (moderate to large effect sizes), but no between-group effect was observed at the end of the protocol. The dorsiflexion strength was higher in the RT group compared to RT + P group.

Chronic neck pain and postural rehabilitation: A literature review.

Chronic Neck Pain is a major disease leading to disability in individuals around the world. Various rehabilitative approaches are being used worldwide to treat neck pain. This literature review highlights efficacy of those techniques used in correcting posture in chronic neck pain. In total 17 articles are included in this review (10 articles on exercises, Pilates 3, global postural re-education (GPR) 1, patient education 2, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation 1). The effects of the techniques were examined on individual outcomes (pain, disability), quality of life (QoL), and psychological aspects and the targeted aspects of physical function (muscle strength, mobility and endurance). Most of the techniques are effective compared to control group and few techniques in combination with other interventions like exercise and education had better improvements in outcomes, few techniques compared to one another found to be equally significant on reducing pain and disability. To date, it was challenging to affirm superiority of one technique over other. Further high quality research is needed to confirm the effect of these techniques with appropriate evaluation methods.

Is the Pilates method efficient to cause changes in the body composition of healthy individuals? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The Pilates Method has become more popular as an option for physical activity, also among healthy individuals, who seek a better quality of life and also an improve in body composition. This paper is a systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of Pilates in the body composition of healthy individuals. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was carried out using the PEDro, Cochrane Library, Medline and Pubmed databases; the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied and the final studies were evaluated using the PEDro checklists. To ensure methodological quality, all steps were performed by two examiners and when discrepancies appeared, these were resolved by a third reviewer. RESULTS: Nine studies, published between 2004 and 2019, met the inclusion criteria. Six articles showed some improvement in relation to body composition, such as increased skeletal muscle mass and decrease in body fat mass and of these, when evaluated by the PEDro scale, only one obtained good methodological quality. CONCLUSION: This systematic review shows that the influence of Pilates on the body composition of healthy individuals is still uncertain due to the controversial results and the scarcity of studies with this public. The lack of studies with excellent methodological quality can be considered one of the factors that prevent a statement.

Is the Combination of Aerobic Exercise with Mat Pilates Better than Mat Pilates Training Alone on Autonomic Modulation Related to Functional Outcomes in Hypertensive Women? Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although mat Pilates (MP) has become popular, the effects of MP in hypertensive women (HW) are not entirely clear. Here, we investigated the effects of 16 weeks of MP training contrasted with MP supplemented with aerobic exercise (MP+AE) and compared with a non-intervention group on autonomic modulation, cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, flexibility, performance of functional tasks, QOL, anthropometric variables, clinical BP, and heart rate. METHODS: This is a three-arm, secondary analysis of an RCT. Sixty HW, aged 30 to 59 years, were allocated into: MP only (MP), MP+AE on a treadmill (MP+AE), and Control Group, without exercises. Assessments were performed before and after 16 weeks of training. RESULTS: The ANOVA shows differences in between-group comparisons in the SDNN, rMSSD, and SD1 in the heart rate variability analysis, with increases in rMSSD, SDNN, and SD1 only in the MP, and this result was not found in the MP+AE group (p < 0.05). Differences were observed in the between-group comparisons in time in the cardiorespiratory exercise test (CPX), flexibility, and the waist-to-hip ratio, with changes in the MP+AE, differences in QOL, and increments in the MP and MP+AE (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MP increased the indices that reflect vagal and global cardiac autonomic modulation. MP+AE improved the CPX performance, flexibility, QOL, and anthropometric variables. These results suggest that MP supplemented or not with AE has promising effects in HW.

Dolor de espalda. Generalidades en su diagnóstico y tratamiento / Generalities of Back Pain in Diagnosis And Treatment

Introducción: El dolor de espalda es un síntoma frecuente y de distribución universal que afecta a personas de cualquier edad y de ambos sexos. El 80 % de la población presentará un dolor de espalda en algún momento de su vida. Los procesos agudos son autolimitados y se resuelven en el plazo de unas semanas, excepto algunos casos que se cronifican y requieren asistencia médica continuada. Los cuadros crónicos son más frecuentes en edades comprendidas entre 45 y 65 años y en el sexo femenino. Objetivo: Actualizar los elementos generales relacionados con el diagnóstico y tratamiento del dolor de espalda. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión detallada en la literatura en relación al dolor de espalda en cuanto a su diagnóstico y tratamiento. Se obtuvo literatura actualizada en las bases de datos Cumed, Ibec, Lilac, Pubmed/Medline, Scopus y Wholis. Se hizo una revisión del tema fundamentalmente de los últimos 5 años. Conclusiones: El dolor de espalda es un síntoma frecuente y de distribución universal que afecta a personas de cualquier edad y de ambos sexos. Las recomendaciones presentadas están basadas en la mejor evidencia disponible, con la intención de estandarizarlas para el tratamiento del dolor de espalda en la Atención Primaria de Salud y para el tratamiento farmacológico y no farmacológico(AU)

Introduction: Back pain is a frequent and universally distributed symptom that affects people of any age and of both sexes. 80% of the population will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Acute processes are self-limiting and resolve within a few weeks, except for some cases that become chronic and require continued medical care. Chronic symptoms are more frequent in ages between 45 and 65 years and in the female sex. Objective: To update the general elements related to the diagnosis and treatment of back pain. Methods: A detailed review of the literature was carried out in relation to back pain in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Updated literature was retrieved from Cumed, Ibec, Lilac, Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, and Wholis databases. A review of the subject was made fundamentally of the last 5 years. Conclusions: Back pain is a frequent and universally distributed symptom that affects persons of any age and both sexes. The recommendations are based on the best available evidence, with the intention of standardizing them for treating back pain in Primary Health Care and for pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment(AU)

Pilates-based exercise in the reduction of the low back pain: an overview of reviews.

OBJECTIVE: Pilates is a popular system of exercise that is recommended for healthy individuals and patients with low back pain (LBP). The restoration of muscle function in lumbopelvic stability and pelvic floor muscles has been fostered by practices based on this strategy. Restoring or sustaining the motor control of the lumbar spine and proper body posture during each exercise is very important. The aim of this umbrella review (UR) of systematic reviews and narrative reviews is to detect the effects of exercise on patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records were published in December 2019 and identified from Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. Studies that addressed this topic were included. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (246510). RESULTS: The Pilates method, using functional exercises, improves muscular strength and endurance. Eleven studies were included in the UR. Nine reviews for chronic LBP concluded that there were pain relief and functional progression from the Pilates-based exercise intervention in the short-term. There was strong evidence that Pilates exercise improved flexibility and dynamic balance and enhanced muscular endurance among healthy people in the short-term. CONCLUSIONS: Pilates exercise improved dynamic balance and flexibility also raised muscular endurance in people in the short time. There was some evidence that admits this exercise as effective in body fat reduction and increasing fat-free mass in the short-term.

Effects of eight weeks of mat pilates training on selected hematological parameters and plasma volume variations in healthy active women.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of eight weeks of mat Pilates training on selected hematological parameters, i.e. white blood cell, neutrophils, monocyte, lymphocyte, hematocrit, hemoglobin as well as plasma volume variations in healthy, active women. METHODS: Twenty-eight women physical education students volunteered to participate in the present investigation. They were assigned to two groups: a Pilates training group (n = 14) that followed an 8-week Pilates training program, and a control group (n = 14). Blood samples were collected at rest at two separate occasions before and after Pilates training. RESULTS: The Pilates training group had higher values of plasma volume variations and lower values of white blood cell (19.4%), neutrophils (32%), hematocrit (4.3%) and hemoglobin (4.6%) compared to control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggested that Pilates training could be an effective strategy for increasing plasma volume variations and boosting immune system in healthy active women.