The respiratory effects of a Pilates method protocol: Randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the respiratory effects of a Pilates method (PM) protocol in adult women.

Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Settings: Healthy women were randomized into two groups using the Random.org online tool: a Pilates group (PG) (n = 33) and a control group (CG) (n = 29).

Participants: Sixty-two healthy women, aged 18-44 years, sedentary or irregularly active B (as defined by the international physical activity questionnaire [IPAQ]). The intervention consisted of 16 sessions of PM. protocol twice a week for the PG. The CG without intervention.

Main outcomes measures: The variables evaluated were maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), peak expiratory flow (PEF), tidal volume (TV), respiratory frequency (RF), minute volume (MV), and slow vital capacity (SVC).

Results: The results showed significant evidence of the beneficial respiratory effects of the PM protocol when the PG was compared with the CG: increased MIP (p = 0.001), and a significant increase in TV (p = 0,047).

Conclusion: The PM protocol used in this study may be effective for respiratory muscle strength because it improved MIP and TV.

Clinical trial registration: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-5b6wc3.

Keywords: Exercise and movement techniques; Rehabilitation; Respiratory function tests.