PILATES AND FLEXIBILITY: A REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: The Pilates method is considered to be an effective physical activity in health promotion, with low impact and mild-to-vigorous intensity. Several groups of people have looked for this activity with different purposes and specific needs that usually involve the maintenance of flexibility. Objective: This review aims to identify and analyze studies about increase in flexibility by using the Pilates method of exercise, published between 2002 and 2012, in English and Portuguese . Material and methods: Electronic searches were carried out in the bases Google Scholar, LILACS, Portal Periódicos da Capes, PubMED and SciELO, using the descriptors “Pilates” and “Flexibility” in Portuguese and English. Results: A total of 136 studies with available abstract were retrieved, of which 23 articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis, being 12 in Portuguese and 11 in English. We found that 22 studies recruited youth or adult participants; eligible subjects were healthy or presented with musculo-articular pathologies. Conclusion: The Pilates method is effective for improving flexibility, as well as muscle resistance, balance and proprioception. It may help obtaining relevant outcomes such as improved quality of life and reduced risk of injury. All of the related studies in this review showed that the Pilates method of exercise contributes positively to the maintenance of flexibility among all groups studied, with significant improvements among ballet dancers. DESCRIPTORS: Movement and Exercise Techniques. Flexibility. Physical Activity.