Effectiveness of pilates method for the posture and flexibility of women with hyperkyphosis

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Pilates method in improving posture and flexibility in women with hyperkyphosis. A randomized controlled trial was performed with 41 women (mean age of 59 ± 9 years) randomized into two groups: 22 in the intervention group and 19 in the control group. Subjects undertook two equal sets of assessment, before and after a training/ control period, which comprised of sociodemografic and clinical characteristics, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (three skin fold measurement), waist-hip ratio (circumference measurements). In addition to these, the degree of kyphosis was measured by the Cobb angle on a standing lateral radiograph, flexibility was measured with a fleximeter and posture assessment was carried out with theFisimetrix software through four view photographs (front, right profile, left profile and back). All measurements were carried out by the same observer, who was trained and blinded with respect to the subjects’ group allocation. The exercises were carried out twice a week (60-minute class) for 30 weeks. Before the study, the two groups did not differ statistically in terms of any of the characteristics analyzed. After the study, statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of: kyphosis angle (experimental group = -8,0 ± 7,5 degrees; control group = -0,6 ± 3,4 degrees; p <0,001), flexibility of all cervical region and trunk movements, BMI (p <0,001), body fat percentage (p <0,001) e all body movements (p <0,05), except for trunk flexion. Therefore, the Pilates method is effective in improving posture and flexibility in women with hyperkyphosis as well as reducing body fat.