Pilates: The effect on body composition and anthropometric variables

The objective of this systematic review was to analyse the design, sample characteristics, intervention programs and the results of the studies which have investigated the effects of the Pilates method practice on anthropometric variables and body composition. Nine experimental and quasi-experimental studies were selected. It was found most studies had a pre-and post-test with control group design, including a predominance of adult women. There was a large variation in the type of intervention program; although, it seems that programs with 8 or more weeks of intervention, and with a frequency of between 2 and 4 days have better effects on the fat mass, skinfolds and girths. However, due to the diversity of the population samples and the intervention programs, further research is required in this area. (C) 2013 Consell Catala de l'Esport. Generalitat de Catalunya. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.