Efeitos do método Pilates sobre variáveis de aptidão física em adolescentes

Abstract

We aimed to assess the Pilates method (PM) over physical fitness variables in teenagers. We divided our sample into two groups, the Pilates group (PG) n=28 who practiced the PM for 21 consecutive weeks (comprehending 2 twice per week with 1 hour duration) and the Control group (CG) n=23, who received lectures on health education. In orderto assess participants physical fitness, pre and post intervention, we used the body composition analysis by means of the anthropometry measure, including mass, height, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio (WHR); as well as the palmar grip strength (PGS) by means of the manual dynamometry. We found a increase in WRR in CG and similar results of this variable in the PG. We did not find no difference in the post intervention PGS for both groups. However, the PM practice showed positive effects in the maintenance of central fat measurements in these teenagers; this is important since this is relevant measure for cardio metabolic profile in this subjects. Nevertheless, our method did not influence grip strength, possibly due to the executed exercises empathizes central body muscle strength, not peripheral.