The pilates method in Brazil: a review of literature

Introduction: The Pilates method is aimed at improving coordination, overall flexibility, muscle strength and posture. During execution of the movements, it is recommended the use of six essential principles: concentration, control precision, fluidity of movement, respiration and using the center of force. Materials and Methods: Systematic searches were performed in three electronic databases (MEDLINE - PubMed, SciELO and LILACS). We used the term pilates for the searches. The searches were not limited by language or publication date. The last search was conducted in December 2011. Results: A total of 14 articles were included, among them a study with qualitative analysis of five cases, four of them were randomized controlled trials and one was a non randomized controlled trial. The remaining articles were interventional studies without control group (analysis pre and post treatment). Although most of the studies confirmed that pilates can generate gains in strength, pain relief and flexibility, the findings can not be generalized to any population, muscle group or exercise series. Conclusion: Regarding the randomized controlled trials, improvements in flexibility is not a consensus and improvements in pain and functional performance were verified. There were no evidence for gains in strength. Other studies, without control groups, showed gains in strength, decrease in back pain and increase in flexibility. For the biomechanical aspects, there is a consensus that the position of the participant and the position of the springs and resistances will generate different torques during exercises.