Pilates Method: changes in body composition and spinal flexibility in healthy adults

Introduction: Pilates Method (PM) can be described as an exercise based on Oriental and Western philosophies intended to improve general body flexibility, strength and overall wellbeing. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in body composition and spinal flexibility in healthy adults after 20 weeks of PM intervention (2 hours/week) versus a control group. Method: The study design was a controlled trial with a total sample of 41 subjects (83.3% women and 16.7% men); ages between 28 and 58 years old (X=42.37 +/- 7.86). The sample was divided into two groups: intervention (PMg) and control group (Cg). Body composition measures were: body weight, height and body fat measured from 6 skin-fold thicknesses. To asses spinal flexibility we used the Modified Schober Test. PM intervention included 20 weeks PM Matwork sessions (2 sessions of 60 minutes per week). Results: After completing the 20 weeks PM intervention significant changes (P<.05) were found in the PMg: lower sum of skinfold thicknesses in 6 sites (P=.028), lower body fat % (P=.016) and greater lumbar extension mobility (p=.000) and thoracic flexion mobility (p=.013). Conclusions: A PM intervention of 20 consecutive weeks (2 days/week) positively affects body composition and spinal flexibility in a sample of 41 adults from Boadilla del Monte, Madrid. (C) 2010 Consell Catala de l'Esport. Generalitat de Catalunya. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.