Conventional kinesiotherapy or Pilates mat exercises, what is more efficient for abdominal weakness? A feasibility study

Abstract

The aim of this feasibility study was to contrast rectus abdominis (RA) muscle strength and electrical activity after two abdominal training protocols, conventional kinesiotherapy (CK) and Pilates mat exercises (PME). 13 participants were randomized to one of two groups: CK and PME, and were trained accordingly. The upper rectus abdominis (URA) and lower rectus abdominis (LRA) were independently examined and intra-group and inter-group comparison were done. Findings demonstrate a significant increase in RA strength after both protocols, relative to baseline. Significantly increased electrical activation was seen in the URA after CK. Training with PME, although as efficient as CK in strength improvement, produced decreased activation level of muscles. CK training induced an opposite result. The differences after training suggest that CK and PME training programmers may strength RA, but the neuromuscular activation strategies for that are not the same. PME can be incorporated into protocols to improve abdominals strength, and trunk stabilization.

 

Share and Cite:

Monteiro, R. , de Oliveira, L. , Ramos, L. , Magalhães, M. , de Resende, M. and Callegari, B. (2013) Conventional kinesiotherapy or Pilates mat exercises, what is more efficient for abdominal weakness? A feasibility study. Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering, 6, 1171-1177. doi: 10.4236/jbise.2013.612146.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1] Blum, C.L. (2002) Chiropractic and Pilates therapy for the treatment of adult scoliosis. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 25, E3.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1067/mmt.2002.123336
[2] Emery, K., De Serres, S.J., McMillan, A. and Coté, J.N. (2010) The effects of a Pilates training program on armtrunk posture and movement. Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon), 25, 124-130.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2009.10.003
[3] Eyigor, S., Karapolat, H., Yesil, H., Uslu, R. and Durmaz, B. (2010) Effects of Pilates exercises on functional capacity, flexibility, fatigue, depression and quality of life in female breast cancer patients: A randomized controlled study. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 46, 481-487.
[4] (1999) Conditioning by Pilates. Harvard Women’s Health Watch, 6, 7.
[5] Wells, C., Kolt, G.S. and Bialocerkowski, A. (2012) Defining Pilates exercise: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 20, 253-262.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2012.02.005
[6] Nahhas Rodacki, C.L., Luiz Felix Rodacki, A., Ugrinowitsch, C., Zielinski, D. and Budal da Costa, R. (2008) Spinal unloading after abdominal exercises. Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon), 23, 8-14.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2007.08.022
[7] Stokes, I.A., Gardner-Morse, M.G. and Henry, S.M. (2011) Abdominal muscle activation increases lumbar spinal stability: Analysis of contributions of different muscle groups. Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon), 26, 797-803. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2011.04.006
[8] Axler, C.T. and McGill, S.M. (1997) Low back loads over a variety of abdominal exercises: Searching for the safest abdominal challenge. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29, 804-811.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00005768-199706000-00011
[9] Escamilla, R.F., Babb, E., DeWitt, R., Jew, P., Kelleher, P., Burnham, T. and Imamura, R.T. (2006) Electromyographic analysis of traditional and nontraditional abdominal exercises: Implications for rehabilitation and training. Physical Therapy, 86, 656-671.
[10] Escamilla, R.F., McTaggart, M.S., Fricklas, E.J., DeWitt, R., Kelleher, P., Taylor, M.K. and Moorman, C.T. (2006) An electromyographic analysis of commercial and common abdominal exercises: Implications for rehabilitation and training. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 36, 45-57.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2006.36.2.45
[11] Hides, J.A., Stanton, W.R., Wilson, S.J., Freke, M., McMahon, S. and Sims, K. (2010) Retraining motor control of abdominal muscles among elite cricketers with low back pain. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 20, 834-842.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2009.01019.x
[12] Kloubec, J.A. (2010) Pilates for improvement of muscle endurance, flexibility, balance, and posture. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 24, 661-667.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181c277a6
[13] Schoffstall, J.E., Titcomb, D.A. and Kilbourne, B.F. (2010) Electromyographic response of the abdominal musculature to varying abdominal exercises. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 24, 3422-3426.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181e74315
[14] Moraes, A.C., Pinto, R.S., Valamatos, M.J., PezaratCorreia, P.L., Okano, A.H., Santos, P.M. and Cabri, J.M. (2009) EMG activation of abdominal muscles in the crunch exercise performed with different external loads. Physical Therapy in Sport, 10, 57-62.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2009.01.001
[15] Aladro-Gonzalvo, A.R., Araya-Vargas, G.A., Machado-Díaz, M. and Salazar-Rojas, W. (2013) Pilates-based exercise for persistent, non-specific low back pain and associated functional disability: A meta-analysis with metaregression. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 17, 125-136.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2012.08.003
[16] Beck, R. (2008) Getting to the core. Using Pilates to promote overall wellness during rehabilitation. Rehab Management, 21, 34,36.
[17] Cruz-Ferreira, A., Fernandes, J., Gomes, D., Bernardo, L.M., Kirkcaldy, B.D., Barbosa, T.M. and Silva, A. (2011) Effects of Pilates-based exercise on life satisfaction, physical self-concept and health status in adult women. Women & Health, 51, 240-255.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2011.563417
[18] Culligan, P.J., Scherer, J., Dyer, K., Priestley, J.L., Guingon-White, G., Delvecchio, D. and Vangeli, M. (2010) A randomized clinical trial comparing pelvic floor muscle training to a Pilates exercise program for improving pelvic muscle strength. International Urogynecology Journal, 21, 401-408.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00192-009-1046-z
[19] Geweniger, V. (2002) Prevention of back pain with Pilates training: Finding a healthy balance. Pflegezeitschrift, 55, 747-749.
[20] Critchley, D.J., Pierson, Z. and Battersby, G. (2011) Effect of Pilates mat exercises and conventional exercise programmes on transversus abdominis and obliquus internus abdominis activity: Pilot randomised trial. Manual Therapy, 16, 183-189.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2010.10.007
[21] Loss, J.F., Melo, M.O., Rosa, C.H., Santos, A.B., La Torre, M. and Silva, Y.O. (2010) Electrical activity of external oblique and multifidus muscles during the hip flexion-extension exercise performed in the Cadillac with different adjustments of springs and individual positions. Revista Brasileira de Fisioterapia, 14, 510-517.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-35552010000600010
[22] Flint, M.M. (1965) Abdominal muscle involvement during the performance of various forms of sit-up exercise. An electromyographic study. American Journal of Physical Medicine, 44, 224-234.
[23] Floyd, W.F. and Silver, P.H. (1950) Electromyographic study of patterns of activity of the anterior abdominal wall muscles in man. Journal of Anatomy, 84, 132-145.
[24] Reid, G., Montgomery, D.L. and Seidl, C. (1985) Performance of mentally retarded adults on the Canadian Standardized Test of Fitness. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 76, 187-190.
[25] Kim, S.J., Kwon, O.Y., Yi, C.H., Jeon, H.S., Oh, J.S., Cynn, H.S. and Weon, J.H. (2011) Comparison of abdominal muscle activity during a single-legged hold in the hook-lying position on the floor and on a round foam roll. Journal of Athletic Training, 46, 403-408.
[26] Hermens, H.J., Freriks, B., Disselhorst-Klug, C. and Rau, G. (2000) Development of recommendations for SEMG sensors and sensor placement procedures. Journal of Electromyography & Kinesiology, 10, 361-374.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1050-6411(00)00027-4
[27] Marques, N.R. (2012) EMG activity of trunk stabilizar muscle during centering principle of Pilates method. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, 11, 1-7.
[28] Clark, K.M., Holt, L.E. and Sinyard, J. (2003) Electromyographic comparison of the upper and lower rectus abdominis during abdominal exercises. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 17, 475-483.
[29] Piering, A.W., Janowski, A.P., Wehrenberg, W.B., Moore, M.T. and Snyder, A.C. (1993) Electromyographic analysis of four popular abdominal exercises. Journal of Athletic Training, 28, 120-126.
[30] Hildenbrand, K. and Noble, L. (2004) Abdominal muscle activity while performing trunk-flexion exercises using the Ab Roller, ABslide, FitBall, and conventionally performed trunk curls. Journal of Athletic Training, 39, 37-43.
[31] Lehman, G.J. and McGill, S.M. (2001) Quantification of the differences in electromyographic activity magnitude between the upper and lower portions of the rectus abdominis muscle during selected trunk exercises. Physical Therapy, 81, 1096-1101.
[32] Ozer Kaya, D., Duzgun, I., Baltaci, G., Karacan, S. and Colakoglu, F. (2012) Effects of calisthenics and Pilates exercises on coordination and proprioception in adult women: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 21, 235-243.
[33] Comfort, P., Pearson, S.J. and Mather, D. (2011) An electromyographical comparison of trunk muscle activity during isometric trunk and dynamic strengthening exercises. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 25, 149-154. http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181fb412f
[34] Masuda, T., Kizuka, T., Zhe, J.Y., Yamada, H., Saitou, K., Sadoyama, T. and Okada, M. (2001) Influence of contraction force and speed on muscle fiber conduction velocity during dynamic voluntary exercise. Journal of Electromyography & Kinesiology, 11, 85-94.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1050-6411(00)00048-1
[35] Bloomer, R.J. and Goldfarb, A.H. (2004) Anaerobic exercise and oxidative stress: A review. Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology, 29, 245-263.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/h04-017
[36] Pandofe, K.D.M., Andrade, M.C.C.D., Meyer, P.F. and Silva, E.M.D.S. (2006) Relationship between abdominal force, abdominal protusion and lobossacral angle in young women. Fisioterapia em Movimento, 19, 99-104.
[37] (2009) Pilates. Strength for your core and more. Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource, 13, 7.
[38] Melo, M.O., Gomes, L.E., Silva, Y.O., Bonezi, A. and Loss, J.F. (2011) Assessment of resistance torque and resultant muscular force during Pilates hip extension exercise and its implications to prescription and progression. Revista Brasileira de Fisioterapia, 15, 23-30.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-35552011000100006
[39] Menacho, M.O., Obara, K., Conceicao, J.S., Chitolina, M.L., Krantz, D.R., da Silva, R.A. and Cardoso, J.R. (2010) Electromyographic effect of mat Pilates exercise on the back muscle activity of healthy adult females. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 33, 672-678. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2010.08.012
[40] Wells, C., Kolt, G.S., Marshall, P., Hill, B. and Bialocerkowski, A. (2013) Effectiveness of Pilates exercise in treating people with chronic low back pain: A systematic review of systematic reviews. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 13, 7.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-13-7

Copyright © 2024 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc.

Creative Commons License

This work and the related PDF file are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.