Abstract
Segal NA, Hein J, Basford JR. The effects of Pilates training on flexibility and body
composition: an observational study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:1977–81.
Objective
To assess claims regarding the effects of Pilates training on flexibility, body composition,
and health status.
Design
An observational prospective study.
Setting
A community athletic club.
Participants
A sample of 47 adults (45 women, 2 men) who presented for Pilates training.
Interventions
Not applicable.
Main outcome measures
Fingertip-to-floor distance, truncal lean body mass by bioelectric impedance, health
status by questionnaire and visual analog scale were assessed at baseline, 2, 4, and
6 months (±1wk).
Results
Thirty-two of 47 enrolled subjects met the protocol requirements of missing no more
than 1 weekly 1-hour session Pilates mat class during each 2-month period. Investigators
were blinded to measurements from previous time points. Median (interquartile range
[IQR]) fingertip-to-floor distance improved from baseline by 3.4cm (1.3–5.7cm), 3.3cm
(0.3– 7.8cm), and 4.3cm (1.5–7.6cm) at 2, 4, and 6 months, respectively (paired nonparametric
analysis, all P<.01). There were no statistically significant changes in truncal lean body mass,
height, weight, or other body composition parameters. Self-assessment of health also
did not change in a statistically significant manner from its baseline median (IQR)
value of 77mm (69–85mm).
Conclusions
Pilates training may result in improved flexibility. However, its effects on body
composition, health status, and posture are more limited and may be difficult to establish.
Further study might involve larger sample sizes, comparison with an appropriate control
group, and assessment of motor unit recruitment as well as strength of truncal stabilizers.
Keywords
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Article info
Footnotes
☆Supported by the Mayo Clinic Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The InBody 3.0 device was loaned by Biospace Inc. The results of this study do not constitute endorsement of any product by the authors.
Identification
Copyright
© 2004 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
