Efeitos do método pilates durante a gestação na função dos músculos do assoalho pélvico de prímiparas: estudo randomizado controlado

Abstract

Introduction: The benefits provided by physical exercise performed during pregnancy are a consensus in the literature. The Pilates method is a modality that, in front of its principles, can provide global effects and on the pelvic floor muscles. However, no studies were found that addressed this topic. Aim: To verify the effects of the Pilates method on the function of the pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy. Methods: This randomized and controlled study included primiparous women. The participants were randomly divided in two groups: Pilates Group (n = 25) and Control Group (n = 25). Both groups were submitted to interventions between the 14-16th to 32-34th gestational weeks, with weekly frequency of twice and duration of 60 minutes. The Pilates group was submitted to the intervention using the Pilates method and the control group received the traditional intervention, composed of aerobic exercises, upper limb, lower limb and trunk strengthening exercises, global stretching and relaxation. Pregnant women in the two groups were evaluated between the 16th and 20th weeks and between the 34th and 36th gestational weeks in relation to the primary outcome (pelvic floor muscles pressure) and secondary outcomes (contraction capacity, endurance time and number of fast contractions of the pelvic floor muscles) The covariance analysis (ANCOVA) was used to compare the groups before and after the intervention, using the baseline values as covariate. Results: One pregnant woman from the Pilates group and 13 pregnant women from the control group abandoned their interventions. A statistical difference was observed between the groups for contraction capacity (p = 0.01), the endurance (p = 0.005) and number of fast contractions (p = 0.04). No significant differences were observed for the contraction pressure (p = 0.95). Conclusion: Intervention through the Pilates method during the gestational period was able to increase contraction capacity, endurance time and numbers of fast contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, besides promoting greater adherence to the intervention.