LAUSR

BACKGROUND Pilates exercises help stabilize the vertebral segments by recruiting the abdominal and spinal muscles. Pilates training may increase joint stability and improve neuromuscular efficiency (NME). OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate NME of the multifidus (MU) muscle through electromyography (EMG) analysis and torque test, applied to practitioners and non-practitioners of Pilates. METHODS Participants included thirty women: Pilates practitioners (n = 15) and non-practitioners (n = 15). They were tested for trunk extension. Their right and left MU muscles were submitted to EMG to estimate NME. Results concerning torque, EMG, and NME from all participants were compared. RESULTS Statistical analysis concerning isometric torque peak (p = 0.0275) and NME (p = 0.0062) showed significant difference (Student t test; p < 0.05) between practitioners and control. No significant difference (p = 0.3387) in EMG was observed. CONCLUSION Our results suggest Pilates exercises is effective in training spinal muscles to improve NME in women.