Trunk extensors and flexors muscles imbalance is strong indication of the etiology of low back pain. The aim of the present study was to verify the effect of Pilates© method upon trunk flexors and extensors isokinetic function. To do so, we selected 20 volunteers (16 women 34.06 ± 7.21 yrs; 4 men 33.5 ± 6.68 yrs) capable to perform the intermediate-advanced level of Pilates© method (25 sessions) during 12 weeks. Trunk extensor function was improved in all parameters evaluated (peak torque - 25%, p = 0.0004; total work - 28%, p = 0.0002; average power - 30%, p = 0.0002; set total work performed - 21%, p = 0.002). Trunk extensors showed a slight increase in total work (10%, p = 0.0003) and set total work performed (10%, p = 0.002). The trunk flexors:extensors ratio were decreased after Pilates© training (peak torque - 24%, p = 0.0001; total work - 23%, p = 0.002; average power - 25%, p = 0.01; set total work performed - 14%, p = 0.04). The Pilates© method seemed to be an efficient tool to strengthen the trunk extensors muscles, thus attenuating the imbalance between the muscles involved in trunk extension and flexion.
Training; Pilates©; Skeletal muscles; Extension; Flexion; Trunk
