The effectiveness of the Pilates method: Reducing the degree of non-structural scoliosis, and improving flexibility and pain in female college students

• Published in: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies 2012-04, Vol.16 (2), p.191-198
• Main Authors: Alves de Araújo, Maria Erivânia, Bezerra da Silva, Elirez, Bragade Mello, Danielli, Cader, Samária Ali, Shiguemi Inoue Salgado, Afonso, Dantas, Estélio Henrique Martin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Back Pain - physiopathology; Back Pain - therapy; Exercise movement techniques; Exercise Movement Techniques - methods; Female; Humans; Lumbar Vertebrae - physiology; Muscle Stretching Exercises - methods; Pain; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Physical Therapy Modalities; Posture; Range of Motion, Articular - physiology; Scoliosis; Scoliosis - physiopathology; Scoliosis - therapy; Students; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1360-8592; 1532-9283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2011.04.002

Summary Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of Pilates with regard to the degree of scoliosis, flexibility and pain. Method The study included 31 female students divided into two groups: a control group (CG = 11), which had no therapeutic intervention, and an experimental group (EG = 20), which underwent Pilates-based therapy. We used radiological goniometry measurements to assess the degree of scoliosis, standard goniometry measurements to determine the degree of flexibility and the scale of perceived pain using the Borg CR 10 to quantify the level of pain. Results The independent t test of the Cobb angle ( t  = - 2.317, p  = 0.028), range of motion of trunk flexion ( t  = 3.088, p  = 0.004) and pain ( t  = −2.478, p  = 0.019) showed significant differences between the groups, with best values in the Pilates group. The dependent t test detected a significant decrease in the Cobb angle (Δ% = 38%, t  = 6.115, p  = 0.0001), a significant increase in trunk flexion (Δ% = 80%, t  = −7.977, p  = 0.0001) and a significant reduction in pain (Δ% = 60%, t  = 7.102, p  = 0.0001) in the EG. No significant difference in Cobb angle ( t  = 0.430, p  = 0.676), trunk flexion, ( t  = 0.938p = 0.371) or pain ( t  = 0.896, p  = 0.391) was found for the CG. Conclusion The Pilates group was better than control group. The Pilates method showed a reduction in the degree of non-structural scoliosis, increased flexibility and decreased pain.