ABSTRACT
Introduction
The Pilates Method may be an appropriate form of exercise for improving trunk muscle strength, which can be a predictor of pain and musculoskeletal problems.
Objective
The objective of this study was to assess the effects of the Pilates Method on muscle strength and endurance of the extensor and flexor muscles of the trunk in a group of adolescents.
Methods
The sample consisted of 101 high-school students divided into two groups: an experimental group (EG=81) and a control group (CG=20). The intervention was carried out twice a week for six weeks. Each session lasted 55 minutes, and was divided into three parts: warm-up, main part, and cool down. Muscle strength was assessed by the Sörensen Test and the Bench Trunk-curl Test. The paired sample T-test, the T- test for independent samples, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were applied. The size of the effect (d) was determined.
Results
The EG showed significant improvements in both tests (+34.77 points; +18.55 points, respectively). No changes were observed in the CG. The effect size was high (d>1.15) for both tests, which means that the results were improved in a large proportion of the participants. The control group showed a decline in strength of the trunk musculature. In the experimental group, both boys and girls showed significant improvements in both tests. This strength increase was enhanced for a large proportion of boys and girls (d>1.15). The effect size was high (d>1.15) for both tests and for both sexes.
Conclusion
Six-weeks after implementing the Pilates Method in Physical Education lessons, the muscle strength of the flexor and extensor muscles of the trunk in adolescents was improved. Level of Evidence II; Therapeutic studies-Investigation of treatment results.
Isometric contraction; Muscle strength; Physical education and training; Health promotion; Exercise therapy
