Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University,
Seoul, Republic of Korea | [b] Department of Physical Therapy, Kyungnam University,
Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
Note: [] Corresponding author: Gyu-Chang Lee, PhD, Department of Physical
Therapy, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungnam University, 499
Woryeong-dong, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 631-701,
Republic of Korea. Tel.: +82 55 249 2739; Fax: +82 505 999 2173; E-mail: leegc76@kyungnam.ac.kr
Abstract: This study investigated the effect of core stability training using
pilates for 8 weeks on lower extremity muscle strength and postural stability.
Participants included 40 healthy people who were randomly allocated to 1 of 2
groups: a core stability training group (CST) (n=20) and a
control group (n=20). The CST group received three
60-minute pilates training sessions per week for 8 weeks, whereas the control
group did not undergo any training. We measured pre- and post-training lower
extremity muscle strength using isokinetic equipment and postural stability
using a balance device. Significant posttest increments in lower extremity
muscle strength and postural stability were observed in the CST group
(P< 0.05). However, neither of these parameters was
significantly improved in the control group. Significant differences in lower
extremity muscle strength and postural stability were found between the CST
group and the control group after 8 weeks (P< 0.05). These
results indicate that pilates core stability training enhances motor
performance skills by increasing lower extremity muscle strength and improving
postural stability and can prevent musculoskeletal disorders and improve
quality of life. Further studies should focus on creating a program combining
other trainings for achieving improved core stability and investigating
duration of training effect.
