Capo-Lugo, C. E., Ortiz, A., Martinez, L., Venegas-Rios, H. L., & Ramirez-Marrero, F. (2011). Effectiveness of Pilates on running mechanics and running performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 43(5). Supplement abstract 1765.

This study assessed the effectiveness of a 12-week home-based Pilates exercise program for improving knee valgus, lactate concentration, and oxygen consumption (VO2) during a running protocol on a treadmill. Ss were divided into a Pilates group (N = 16) and a control group (N = 18). Ss performed a familiarization protocol before participating in the procedures. The testing protocol consisted of running on a treadmill for four minutes at a constant speed of 5 mph without any inclination. After baseline measurements, Ss were randomly assigned to study groups. On the same day as baseline testing, the Pilates group was instructed on how to perform a home-based program. The intervention was carried out for 12 weeks. Every four weeks, Ss underwent a reassessment session after which the level of difficulty of the Pilates program was increased. The control group was encouraged to continue their daily activities without adding other physical activity. Medial knee displacement was measured during the stance phase of running and was defined as the difference of the medial trajectory traveled by the knee joint from initial contact to push-off. Initial contact and push-off were identified with two foot switches (500 Hz) placed on the plantar aspect of the calcaneus and Hallux. Dynamic knee valgus, lactate concentration, and VO2 were compared throughout the 12-week period.

There were no significant main or interaction effects.

Implication. Twelve weeks of Pilates does not affect dynamic knee valgus, lactate concentration, or VO2 during a treadmill run. Pilates very likely is not associated with performance changes.

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