The pilates method in the function of pelvic floor muscles: Systematic review and meta-analysis

摘要

Background: Many Pilates instructors believe that the method can produce significant improvement in the resistance of pelvic floor muscles, but it is known that about 49% of women who can contract this muscle do not perform an adequate contraction and cannot increase urethral closure pressure. Objectives: To evaluate the response of the Pilates method in the function of the pelvic floor muscles, compared to the control group, in healthy women. Search methods: The following databases were searched from October to December 2016: PUBMED, SCIELO, LILACS, MEDLINE, WEB OF SCIENCE and CINAHL via PERIODICOS CAPES, without restriction of language and year of publication. Selection criteria: Randomized (RCTs), quasi-randomized, and non-randomized clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of the Pilates method for the fuction of pelvic floor muscles in healthy women were included.