Abstract
Purpose
To examine the effectiveness of Pilates on fatigue, quality of life and physical function in persons with chronic conditions and explore potential intervention moderators.
Materials and methods
PubMed, SPORTDiscus, AMED and CINAHL were systematically searched from database inception to September 2024, to identify relevant studies. Two independent reviewers screened and selected the articles and evaluated methodological quality. Studies were included if they were randomised controlled trials of Pilates to improve fatigue in persons with chronic conditions.
Results
Eighteen studies involving 812 participants were included. Pilates had a significant effect on fatigue, quality of life and physical function. Meta-analyses showed Pilates had significant effect on physical function [Hedge’s g = 0.85 (95% CI: 0.30; 1.40), p = 0.01] but the effects on fatigue [Hedge’s g = −0.43 (95% CI: −0.96; 0.11), p = 0.12] and quality of life [Hedge’s g = 0.49 (95% CI: −0.40; 1.37), p = 0.28] were not significant. Interventions with smaller duration (6–8 weeks) influenced Pilates effect on fatigue. The type of chronic condition and control did not influence effect.
Conclusions
Pilates has beneficial effects on physical function and may help reduce fatigue and improve quality of life in persons with chronic conditions. Pilates exercises used in rehabilitation settings can influence health outcomes.
IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION
This study shows physical function improved after Pilates exercise interventions and provides a basis to integrate Pilates in function stimulation programs for persons with chronic conditions.
Pilates is a plausible rehabilitation strategy for persons with chronic conditions and the effects are not influenced by the type of condition.
Pilates exercises can feasibly be implemented in standard health care of persons with chronic conditions to improve physical function and manage fatigue.
To examine the effectiveness of Pilates on fatigue, quality of life and physical function in persons with chronic conditions and explore potential intervention moderators.
Materials and methods
PubMed, SPORTDiscus, AMED and CINAHL were systematically searched from database inception to September 2024, to identify relevant studies. Two independent reviewers screened and selected the articles and evaluated methodological quality. Studies were included if they were randomised controlled trials of Pilates to improve fatigue in persons with chronic conditions.
Results
Eighteen studies involving 812 participants were included. Pilates had a significant effect on fatigue, quality of life and physical function. Meta-analyses showed Pilates had significant effect on physical function [Hedge’s g = 0.85 (95% CI: 0.30; 1.40), p = 0.01] but the effects on fatigue [Hedge’s g = −0.43 (95% CI: −0.96; 0.11), p = 0.12] and quality of life [Hedge’s g = 0.49 (95% CI: −0.40; 1.37), p = 0.28] were not significant. Interventions with smaller duration (6–8 weeks) influenced Pilates effect on fatigue. The type of chronic condition and control did not influence effect.
Conclusions
Pilates has beneficial effects on physical function and may help reduce fatigue and improve quality of life in persons with chronic conditions. Pilates exercises used in rehabilitation settings can influence health outcomes.
IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION
This study shows physical function improved after Pilates exercise interventions and provides a basis to integrate Pilates in function stimulation programs for persons with chronic conditions.
Pilates is a plausible rehabilitation strategy for persons with chronic conditions and the effects are not influenced by the type of condition.
Pilates exercises can feasibly be implemented in standard health care of persons with chronic conditions to improve physical function and manage fatigue.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1-10 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Disability and Rehabilitation |
| Early online date | 11 Jun 2025 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 11 Jun 2025 |