Body composition and performance response after 8 weeks of Pilates method training

Introduction: Few studies have reported the use of sequences with Pilates exercises and the description of the training variables. Thus, it becomes necessary to examine the effects of training variables in Pilates class with equipment. Objectives: To assess the effects of training variables in Pilates method with apparatus in body composition, flexibility and vertical jump in female subjects after 8 weeks of training. Methods: The study included 24 healthy and physically active women, 18 to 35 years old; weight: 62.02 ± 3.2 kg height: 167 ± 4.1 cm. The volunteers were randomly divided into 2 groups: 12 volunteers in the group of periodized training with Pilates (GP) method, and 12 in the control group (CG), with a total of 24 training sessions. Body composition was obtained by doubly indirect method, by measuring skinfold thickness, using a caliper (Sany ®), for the flexibility test was used the Wells bench and the horizontal jump test was performed with three attempts to jump, with a minimum interval of 40 seconds between them. The normality and homogeneity of variances were verified using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Levene test, respectively. ANOVA (2 x 2) repeated measures with the factors group (PG versus CG) and condition (pre and post) was used to determine significant differences in body composition variables, jump and flexibility. Significance (?) of 5 % was used for all statistical tests. Results: Significant reductions in post-session for flexibility moments pre x post. Conclusion: The manipulation of training variables in Pilates with apparatus seems to be effective for improving flexibility in physically active women. (AU)