Comparison of the functionality of pelvic floor muscles in women who practice the Pilates method and sedentary women: a pilot study

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis: The Pilates method is a form of physical exercise that improves the control of the core muscles, improving the conditioning of all the muscle groups that comprise the core, including the pelvic floor muscles (PFM). Thus, this study had the goal of verifying the existence of differences in the functioning of the PFM in women who practice the Pilates method and sedentary women.

Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional pilot study. A sample size calculation was performed using preliminary data and it determined that the sample should have at least 24 individuals in each group. The participants were 60 women aged 20 to 40 years; 30 women practiced the Pilates method (PMG) and 30 were sedentary (SG). An anamnesis file was used to collect personal data and assess the knowledge and perception of the PFM. The Perina perineometer and vaginal palpation were used to determine the functionality of the PFM.

Results: There was no significant difference between the PMG and the SG in any of the variables analyzed.

Conclusions: We concluded that the functionality of the PFM in younger women who practice the Pilates method is not different from that of sedentary women.

Keywords: Pelvic floor muscles; Perineometer; Pilates.