Cecilia Dorado1,2, Ana López-Gordillo2, José A Serrano-Sánchez1,2, José A L Calbet1,2,3, Joaquín Sanchis-Moysi1,2. 1. Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain. 2. Department of Physical Education Department, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain. 3. Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The use of Pilates in various fields of sport sciences and rehabilitation is increasing; however, little is known about the muscle adaptations induced by this training method. HYPOTHESIS: A standardized Pilates training program for beginners (9 months; 2 sessions of 55 minutes per week) will increase the muscle volume and reduce potential side-to-side asymmetries of the quadratus lumborum, iliopsoas, piriformis, and gluteus muscles (gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus). STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHOD: A total of 12 inactive, healthy women (35.7 ± 5.4 years) without previous experience in Pilates were randomly selected to participate in a supervised Pilates program (36 weeks, twice weekly). Muscle volume (cm3) was determined using magnetic resonance imaging at the beginning and end of the intervention program. Side-to-side asymmetry was calculated as [(left - right volume) × 100/right volume]. RESULTS: Small, nonsignificant (P > 0.05) differences in the volume of the quadratus lumborum, iliopsoas, piriformis, and gluteus muscles were observed between pre- and post-Pilates program timepoints. Before and after Pilates, side-to-side asymmetry was less than 6% and nonsignificant in all muscles analyzed. CONCLUSION: Modern Pilates performed twice weekly for 9 months did not elicit substantial changes in the volume and degree of asymmetry of the selected lumbopelvic muscles in inactive women. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The benefits of Pilates in rehabilitation or training are likely elicited by neuromuscular rather than morphological adaptations. Pilates has no significant impact on muscle volume and does not alter side-to-side ratios in muscle volume (degree of asymmetry) of the lumbopelvic muscles.
BACKGROUND: The use of Pilates in various fields of sport sciences and rehabilitation is increasing; however, little is known about the muscle adaptations induced by this training method. HYPOTHESIS: A standardized Pilates training program for beginners (9 months; 2 sessions of 55 minutes per week) will increase the muscle volume and reduce potential side-to-side asymmetries of the quadratus lumborum, iliopsoas, piriformis, and gluteus muscles (gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus). STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHOD: A total of 12 inactive, healthy women (35.7 ± 5.4 years) without previous experience in Pilates were randomly selected to participate in a supervised Pilates program (36 weeks, twice weekly). Muscle volume (cm3) was determined using magnetic resonance imaging at the beginning and end of the intervention program. Side-to-side asymmetry was calculated as [(left - right volume) × 100/right volume]. RESULTS: Small, nonsignificant (P > 0.05) differences in the volume of the quadratus lumborum, iliopsoas, piriformis, and gluteus muscles were observed between pre- and post-Pilates program timepoints. Before and after Pilates, side-to-side asymmetry was less than 6% and nonsignificant in all muscles analyzed. CONCLUSION: Modern Pilates performed twice weekly for 9 months did not elicit substantial changes in the volume and degree of asymmetry of the selected lumbopelvic muscles in inactive women. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The benefits of Pilates in rehabilitation or training are likely elicited by neuromuscular rather than morphological adaptations. Pilates has no significant impact on muscle volume and does not alter side-to-side ratios in muscle volume (degree of asymmetry) of the lumbopelvic muscles.
Entities:
Keywords:
Pilates-based exercises; hypertrophy; magnetic resonance imaging; muscle
Authors: Thomas D O'Brien; Neil D Reeves; Vasilios Baltzopoulos; David A Jones; Constantinos N Maganaris Journal: Exp Physiol Date: 2009-02-27 Impact factor: 2.969
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