Pilates may improve pelvic muscle floor strength. - GreenMedInfo Summary
A randomized clinical trial comparing pelvic floor muscle training to a Pilates exercise program for improving pelvic muscle strength.
Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2010 Apr;21(4):401-8. Epub 2010 Jan 22. PMID: 20094704
Atlantic Health Division of Urogynecology, 95 Madison Ave Suite 204, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA. [email protected]
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study is to determine whether a Pilates exercise program and a pelvic floor muscle-training (PFMT) program could provide similar improvements in pelvic muscle strength. METHODS: Sixty-two women with little or no pelvic floor dysfunction were randomized to Pilates or PFMT. Each group had 24 biweekly 1-h sessions with either a physical therapist or Pilates instructor. Strength was measured via perineometry (cmH(2)O). Two questionnaires--pelvic floor distress inventory (PFDI-20) and pelvic floor impact questionnaire (PFIQ-7)--were also collected. RESULTS: At baseline, the Pilates and PFMT groups measured 14.9 +/- 12.5 and 12.5 +/- 10.4 cmH(2)O, respectively (p = 0.41). Both the Pilates and PFMT groups got stronger (6.2 +/- 7.5 cmH(2)O, p = 0.0002 and 6.6 +/- 7.4 cmH(2)O, p = 0.0002, respectively), with no difference between groups p = 0.85. PFIQ and PFDI scores improved from baseline but not between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Further study is required to determine if Pilates can actually treat pelvic floor dysfunction.
