EFFECTS OF A 20-WEEK PILATES METHOD PROGRAM ON BODY COMPOSITION

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether there were changes in body composition after a 20-week (twice weekly) Pilates Method (PM) program when compared to a control group. Methods: This was a controlled quasi-experimental study in which 41 subjects (83.3% females, 16.7% males) aged between 28 and 58 years (mean age = 42.37±7.86 years) were divided into two groups (intervention or control group) and later evaluated. Body composition was measured with anthropometric techniques utilizing the following variables: weight, height, and 6 skinfold measurements. The PM intervention consisted of two weekly sessions, over a 20-week period. The minimal attendance for the program was 85%. Results: Significant differences were observed between the two groups for the sum of six skinfold measurements (p=0.01) and body fat percentage (p=0.004). Conclusion: Practicing the PM for 20 weeks seems to be an activity that can positively influence changes in body composition. Level of evidence III, non-randomized controlled cohort study.