A qualitative systematic review of the views, experiences and perceptions of Pilates-trained physiotherapists and their patients

Objectives: A review of qualitative studies exploring Pilates-trained physiotherapists and their patients' perspectives and experiences of Pilates, aiming to improve practice and provide a deeper insight into the way this method is being utilized along with its effects on participants. Design: Qualitative evidence synthesis using meta-ethnography. Data sources: A comprehensive search strategy, limited to English language articles, was conducted to MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro and Cochrane Central for the period of January 2000 (inception) to June 2020. This was supplemented by identification of Grey literature through Google Scholar, website searching and reference lists. Study selection: Qualitative studies reporting experiences and perceptions of patients' or Pilates-trained physiotherapists' regarding the efficacy of Pilates for the management of chronic musculoskeletal conditions. After a process of exclusion, eight studies were included in the synthesis. Data extraction: The textual data were analysed by a qualitative software program. Studies were critically appraised independently by two reviewers. Data synthesis: Articles were synthesized using a technique of meta-ethnography. Three themes emerged from the process of reciprocal translation: (1) Benefits of the Pilates approach; (2) most effective ways to utilize and most beneficial parameters and (3) risks, precautions, contraindications and indications. Conclusion: This is the first qualitative evidence synthesis of practitioners' and patients' perspectives of Pilates. Findings support evidence for the various benefits of this approach and provide fresh insight into the way this method can be practiced to maximize efficiency and focus on the patients' needs. Key recommendations: Pilates-trained physiotherapists identified that Pilates can be tailored to individual requirements, preferences and needs, to promote self-management to facilitate clinical and cost-effective care.