In the study, the researchers compared the effectiveness of Pilates and conventional therapeutic exercise on pain and disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis. They recruited 41 knee osteoarthritis patients, who were then randomly assigned to do Pilates or conventional therapeutic exercise. The researchers measured the joint position sense, functional performance, pain, and disability of the participants.
The researchers observed significant differences between the effects of Pilates and conventional therapeutic exercise. Results revealed that knee osteoarthritis patients who performed Pilates training experienced greater reductions in pain and disability compared to those who did conventional therapeutic exercise.
Based on the findings of the study, the researchers concluded that Pilates training was more effective than conventional therapeutic exercise in reducing pain and disability in people with knee osteoarthritis.
Knee osteoarthritis is more likely to occur due to a prior knee injury, being overweight or obese, or being 45 years old and older. Typical symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include gradual onset of knee pain, stiffness, and swelling. (Related: Simple and natural ways to lessen your symptoms of osteoarthritis.)
What is Pilates and what can you gain from it?
Pilates is a series of around 500 exercises inspired by calisthenics, yoga, and ballet. This exercise was introduced in the U.S. during the 1920s by physical trainer Joseph Pilates. During that time, Pilates served as a way to help injured athletes and dancers safely return to exercise and maintain their fitness. From then on, Pilates has been adapted to suit people in the general community.
Pilates training includes various exercise sequences that are done in low repetitions, typically five to 10 times over a 45- to 90-minute session.
Pilates can be an aerobic or non-aerobic form exercise. Practicing Pilates requires concentration and focus because the body needs to move through precise ranges of motion. Although Pilates focuses on core strength, it is considered a whole-body fitness exercise. It lengthens and stretches all the primary muscle groups in the body in a balanced way. Despite this, the muscles are never exhausted. There will be no sweating or straining but intense concentration. Concentration is also needed in order to find a center point to control the body through movement.
The health benefits of Pilates include the following:
- balanced muscular strength on both sides of your body
- enhanced muscular control of your back and limbs, and stabilization of the spine
- improved concentration, posture, flexibility, physical coordination, and balance
- increased body awareness, lung capacity, and circulation through deep breathing
- increased muscle strength and tone, particularly of the abdominal muscles, lower back, hips, and buttocks
- prevention of musculoskeletal injuries
- rehabilitation or prevention of injuries related to muscle imbalances
- relaxation of the shoulders, neck and upper back
- safe rehabilitation of joint and spinal injuries
- stress management and relaxation
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