The effects of Pilates-based exercise on dynamic balance in healthy adults

Summary Professionals in theater, athletics, and rehabilitation settings have integrated Pilates-based exercise into their practice. The Pilates method of exercise claims to have several benefits including improving posture and improving balance; however, there are few studies to support these statements. We studied the effects of Pilates-based exercise on dynamic balance in healthy adults. A certified Pilates instructor conducted all exercise sessions. After completing 10 Pilates-based exercise sessions a significant change ( P = . 01 ) in dynamic balance was found in the functional reach test (FRT) mean scores in the exercise group ( n = 17 ). The control group ( n = 17 ) demonstrated no significant change ( P = . 54 ). The results suggest that Pilates-based exercise improved dynamic balance as measured by the FRT in healthy adults.

[1]  Acute effects of stretching duration on the range of motion of elderly women , 2005 .

[2]  S. Jones,et al.  Was There a Hawthorne Effect? , 1992, American Journal of Sociology.

[3]  S. Studenski,et al.  Functional reach: a new clinical measure of balance. , 1990, Journal of gerontology.

[4]  N. Segal,et al.  The effects of Pilates training on flexibility and body composition: an observational study. , 2004, Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

[5]  J. Nichols,et al.  EFFECTS OF PILATES-BASED-TRAINING ON STATIC AND DYNAMIC BALANCE IN AN ELDERLY POPULATION , 1999 .

[6]  M. Hutchinson,et al.  Improving leaping ability in elite rhythmic gymnasts. , 1998, Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

[7]  B. Anderson.  Introduction to Pilates-Based Rehabilitation , 2005 .

[8]  K. George,et al.  Abdominal Muscle Endurance and its Association with Posture and Low Back Pain , 1999 .

[9]  Scott F. Nadler,et al.  Core strengthening11No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit upon the author(s) or upon any organization with which the authors is/are associated. , 2004 .

[10]  G. Badger,et al.  Decrease in Trunk Muscular Response to Perturbation With Preactivation of Lumbar Spinal Musculature , 2000, Spine.

[11]  W. Bandy,et al.  The effect of time and frequency of static stretching on flexibility of the hamstring muscles. , 1997, Physical therapy.

[12]  Marjorie H. Woollacott,et al.  Motor Control: Theory and Practical Applications , 1995 .