How Pilates Exercises Affect Sports Performance? A Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose: This systematic review aims to describe and summarise the effects of Pilates exercises (PE) on athletic performance in athletes. 
 Methods: The published literature was reviewed in the electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS between 01.01.2010 and 01.01.2022. The articles were determined according to the PICO criteria (population, application, comparison, and results) using the keywords "pilates training", "pilates exercises", and "pilates and athlete performance" in the title and abstract sections. The titles and abstracts of articles were screened for relevance to the main research topic of this study. 
 Results: A total of 151 articles were identified from the database search. Twelve articles were included in the systematic review. The results showed that the studies carried out PE practice between four weeks and 14 weeks. Also, it was found that, PE helps to improve postural stability, static and dynamic balance, agility, muscle strength, flexibility, core strength, muscular endurance, general sprint performance, VO2 max level, coordination, and technical skills in athletes. 
 Conclusion: Coaches and sports performance specialists can help athletes improve their physical performance and core strength levels by including PE in their training programmes.