The pilates method in the function of pelvic floor muscles: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Many Pilates instructors believe that the method can produce significant improvement in the resistance of pelvic floor muscles, but it is known that about 49% of women who can contract this muscle do not perform an adequate contraction and cannot increase urethral closure pressure.

To evaluate the response of the Pilates method in the function of the pelvic floor muscles, compared to the control group, in healthy women.

The following databases were searched from October to December 2016: PUBMED, SCIELO, LILACS, MEDLINE, WEB OF SCIENCE and CINAHL via PERIÓDICOS CAPES, without restriction of language and year of publication.

Randomized (RCTs), quasi-randomized, and non-randomized clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of the Pilates method for the fuction of pelvic floor muscles in healthy women were included.

Two reviewers independently selected the studies, assessed the risk of bias and performed the data extraction. Primary outcomes were the method of evaluation of strength, function, coordination, and symmetry of contraction of the pelvic floor muscles.

4434 articles were identified and 2 articles were selected to compose this review and the meta-analysis. No between-group difference was demonstrated for the pelvic floor muscle function as measured by perineometry (p = 0.32).

No evidence showed a modification of the function of pelvic floor muscles in healthy women practicing the Pilates method.