Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effects of Pilates exercises on health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • Review
  • Published:
Quality of Life Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

To verify the effects of Pilates exercises on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in postmenopausal women.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, LILACS, SportDiscus, Scielo, and PEDro. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that intervened with Pilates and had HRQoL as an outcome were eligible. The methodological quality of each RCT was assessed using the PEDro scale and the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE system. Meta-analyses were conducted by standardized mean difference (SMD).

Results

Initially, 760 records were located. After screening, 11 RCTs were included in the systematic review. Five studies presented low risk of bias (PEDro score ≥ 6). Evidence of very low to moderate certainty demonstrated significant effects in favor of Pilates exercises vs control groups for five of the nine HRQoL domains analyzed: bodily pain (SMD = 0.96), physical functioning (SMD = 0.85), social functioning (SMD = 0.45), role physical (SMD = 0.79), and role emotional (SMD = 0.61). Subgroup analyzes demonstrated that Pilates had a positive impact on more domains whens administered for ≥ 48 sessions (eight domains) vs < 48 sessions (three domains); and when administered on equipment (seven domains) vs mat (three domains).

Conclusion

Pilates exercises, in general, allowed significant effects to improve HRQoL in postmenopausal women, especially when performed on equipment and when administered for at least 48 sessions. However, no analysis showed high certainty of evidence, and more RCTs of high methodological quality are needed to confirm these findings.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

Not applicable.

References

  1. Ambikairajah, A., Walsh, E., & Cherbuin, N. (2022). A review of menopause nomenclature. Reproductive Health, 19(1), 29. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-022-01336-7

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  2. Wender, M. C. O., Fernandes, C. E., & Sá, M. F. S. (2019). Climatério e menopausa [Climacteric and menopause]. Elsevier.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Santos, M. A. D., Vilerá, A. N., Wysocki, A. D., Pereira, F. H., Oliveira, D. M., & Santos, V. B. (2021). Sleep quality and its association with menopausal and climacteric symptoms. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, 74(Suppl 2), e20201150. https://doi.org/10.1590/0034-7167-2020-1150

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Santoro, N., Roeca, C., Peters, B. A., & Neal-Perry, G. (2021). The menopause transition: Signs, symptoms, and management options. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 106(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgaa764

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. American College of Sports Medicine. (2017). ACSM’s guidelines for exercise testing and prescription (10th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Statista. (2023, June 9). Number of Pilates participants in the United States from 2011 to 2021. Retrieved 20 Sept 2023, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/191616/participants-in-pilates-training-in-the-us-since-2006

  7. Guimarães Lima, M., Malta, D. C., Monteiro, C. N., da Silva Sousa, N. F., Stopa, S. R., Medina, L. P. B., & de Azevedo Barros, M. B. (2019). Leisure-time physical activity and sports in the Brazilian population: A social disparity analysis. PLoS ONE, 14(12), e0225940. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0225940

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  8. Wells, C., Kolt, G. S., & Bialocerkowski, A. (2012). Defining Pilates exercise: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 20(4), 253–262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2012.02.005

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Xu, M., Tian, C., Wang, Y., Liang, S., Wang, Y., Li, X., & Yang, K. (2023). Pilates and multiple health outcomes: An umbrella review. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 26(4–5), 232–240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2023.03.011

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Vieira, F. T., Faria, L. M., Wittmann, J. I., Teixeira, W., & Nogueira, L. A. (2013). The influence of Pilates method in quality of life of practitioners. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 17(4), 483–487. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2013.03.006

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Silveira, F. S. A., Abrantes, L. C. S., Moreira, O. C., Prado Júnior, P. P., Camilo, F. J., Aidar, F. J., & Pereira, E. T. (2022). The influence of the Pilates method on the quality of life of its practitioners: A systematic review. Motricidade, 18(1), 98–119. https://doi.org/10.6063/motricidade.25780

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Metz, V. R., Scapini, K. B., Dias Gomes, A. L., Andrade, R. M., Brech, G. C., & Alonso, A. C. (2021). Effects of pilates on physical-functional performance, quality of life and mood in older adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 28, 502–512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.06.005

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Pereira, M. J., Mendes, R., Mendes, R. S., Martins, F., Gomes, R., Gama, J., Dias, G., & Castro, M. A. (2022). Benefits of Pilates in the elderly population: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 12(3), 236–268. https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12030018

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  14. Meikis, L., Wicker, P., & Donath, L. (2021). Effects of Pilates training on physiological and psychological health parameters in healthy older adults and in older adults with clinical conditions over 55 years: A meta-analytical review. Frontiers in Neurology, 12, 724218. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2021.724218

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  15. Kashi, S. K., Mirzazadeh, Z. S., & Saatchian, V. (2023). A systematic review and meta-analysis of resistance training on quality of life, depression, muscle strength, and functional exercise capacity in older adults aged 60 years or more. Biological Research for Nursing, 25(1), 88–106. https://doi.org/10.1177/10998004221120945

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Hart, P. D., & Buck, D. J. (2019). The effect of resistance training on health-related quality of life in older adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Promotion Perspectives, 9(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.15171/hpp.2019.01

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  17. Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., … Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  18. Higgins, J. P. T., Thomas, J., Chandler, J., Cumpston, M., Li T., Page, M. J., & Welch, V. A. (editors). (2023, August). Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions version 6.4 (updated). Cochrane. Retrieved 5 Sept 2023, from https://training.cochrane.org/handbook/current

  19. Maher, C. G., Sherrington, C., Herbert, R. D., Moseley, A. M., & Elkins, M. (2003). Reliability of the PEDro scale for rating quality of randomized controlled trials. Physical Therapy, 83(8), 713–721. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/83.8.713

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences (2nd ed.). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Schünemann, H., Brożek, J., Guyatt, G., & Oxman, A. (2013, October). GRADE Handbook. Handbook for grading the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations using the GRADE approach. Updated. Retrieved 20 June 2023, from https://gdt.gradepro.org/app/handbook/handbook.html

  22. Siqueira Rodrigues, B. G., Ali Cader, S., Bento Torres, N. V., Oliveira, E. M., & Martin Dantas, E. H. (2010). Pilates method in personal autonomy, static balance and quality of life of elderly females. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 14(2), 195–202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2009.12.005

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Payam, M. S., & Moghadasi, A. (2021). The effect of Pilates exercises on functional fitness, respiratory function and quality of life in older women. Journal of Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention, 9(3), 221–229.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Hassani, N., Heravi-Karimooi, M., Rejeh, N., Ashtiani, M. H. D., Sharifnia, H., Ghanbari, M., & Inejad, M. M. (2018). The effect of Pilates exercise on quality of life of elderly women with type 2 diabetes. Payesh, 17(5), 531–539.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Pucci, G. C. M. F., Neves, E. B., Santana, F. S., Neves, D. A., & Saavedra, F. J. F. (2020). Effect of resistance training and Pilates on the quality of life of elderly women: A randomized clinical trial. Revista Brasileira de Geriatria e Gerontologia, 23(5), e200283. https://doi.org/10.1590/1981-22562020023.200283

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Oliveira, L. C., Oliveira, R. G., & Pires-Oliveira, D. A. A. (2015). Effects of Pilates on muscle strength, postural balance and quality of life of older adults: A randomized, controlled, clinical trial. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 27(3), 871–876. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.27.871

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Liposcki, D. B., da Silva Nagata, I. F., Silvano, G. A., Zanella, K., & Schneider, R. H. (2019). Influence of a Pilates exercise program on the quality of life of sedentary elderly people: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 23(2), 390–393. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2018.02.007

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Oliveira, L. C., Oliveira, R. G., & Pires-Oliveira, D. A. A. (2018). Effects of the Pilates exercise compared to whole body vibration and no treatment controls on muscular strength and quality of life in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial. Isokinetics and Exercise Science, 26(2), 149–161. https://doi.org/10.3233/IES-184118

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Tozim, B. M., Furlanetto, M. G., França, D. M. L., Morcelli, M. H., & Navega, M. T. (2014). Effect of the Pilates method in flexibility, quality of life and level of pain in the elderly. ConScientiae Saúde, 13(4), 563–570. https://doi.org/10.5585/conssaude.v13n4.4904

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Yildizhan, Y. Ç., & Ağgön, E. (2020). The effects of regular physical activities on subjective well-being levels in women of menopause period. Balneo Research Journal, 11(2), 224–229. https://doi.org/10.12680/balneo.2020.344

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Angın, E., Erden, Z., & Can, F. (2015). The effects of clinical Pilates exercises on bone mineral density, physical performance and quality of life of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 28(4), 849–858. https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-150604

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Küçükçakır, N., Altan, L., & Korkmaz, N. (2013). Effects of Pilates exercises on pain, functional status and quality of life in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 17(2), 204–211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2012.07.003

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Pucci, G. C. M. F., Neves, E. B., & Saavedra, F. J. F. (2019). Effect of Pilates method on physical fitness related to health in the elderly: A systematic review. Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte, 25(1), 76–87. https://doi.org/10.1590/1517-869220192501193516

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Pessôa, R. A. G., de Oliveira, L. C., Vitor, G. B. B., & de Oliveira, R. G. (2023). Effects of Pilates exercises on cardiorespiratory fitness: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 52, 101772. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2023.101772

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Patti, A., Thornton, J. S., Giustino, V., Drid, P., Paoli, A., Schulz, J. M., Palma, A., & Bianco, A. (2023). Effectiveness of Pilates exercise on low back pain: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Disability and Rehabilitation, 46, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2251404

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Fernández-Rodríguez, R., Álvarez-Bueno, C., Cavero-Redondo, I., Torres-Costoso, A., Pozuelo-Carrascosa, D. P., Reina-Gutiérrez, S., Pascual-Morena, C., & Martínez-Vizcaíno, V. (2022). Best exercise options for reducing pain and disability in adults with chronic low back pain: Pilates, strength, core-based, and mind-body. A network meta-analysis. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 52(8), 505–521. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2022.10671

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Denham-Jones, L., Gaskell, L., Spence, N., & Pigott, T. (2022). A systematic review of the effectiveness of Pilates on pain, disability, physical function, and quality of life in older adults with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Musculoskeletal Care, 20(1), 10–30. https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1563

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Abdoshahi, M. (2023). The impact of Pilates training on mental health and happiness among untrained menopausal women. Women’s Health Bulletin, 10, 96–103. https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2023.97578.1211

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Silva, D. C. P., Martins, I. B., Menezes, R. A., Leão, A. D. G., & Valadares, Y. D. (2022). The effects of the Pilates method on the mental health of patients with depression and anxiety disorder: A literature review. Research, Society and Development, 11(7), e5911729368. https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v11i7.29368

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. McGrath, J. A., O’Malley, M., & Hendrix, T. J. (2011). Group exercise mode and health-related quality of life among healthy adults. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 67(3), 491–500. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2010.05456.x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Rugbeer, N., Ramklass, S., Mckune, A., & van Heerden, J. (2017). The effect of group exercise frequency on health related quality of life in institutionalized elderly. The Pan African Medical Journal, 26, 35. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2017.26.35.10518

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  42. Barati, M., Akbari-Heidari, H., Samadi-Yaghin, E., Jenabi, E., Jormand, H., & Kamyari, N. (2021). The factors associated with the quality of life among postmenopausal women. BMC Women’s Health, 21(1), 208. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01361-x

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  43. Tavares, J. B., Batista, J. P., Costa, J. G., Gonçalves, L. F., de Souza, T. C. F., Mariano, I. M., Amaral, A. L., Rodrigues, M. L., & Puga, G. M. (2022). Comparison of Mat Pilates training-induced changes on climateric symptoms in hypertensive and normotensive postmenopausal women. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 32, 102–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2022.05.008

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Health Sciences Center, Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná, Alameda Padre Magno, no 841, Nova Alcântara, CEP: 86.400-000, Jacarezinho, Paraná, Brazil

    Priscila Peruzzolo de Almeida, Raphael Gonçalves de Oliveira, Laura Isabel Martins de Almeida & Laís Campos de Oliveira

  2. Health Sciences Research Center, Universidade Norte do Paraná, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil

    Raphael Gonçalves de Oliveira

Authors
  1. Priscila Peruzzolo de Almeida
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Raphael Gonçalves de Oliveira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Laura Isabel Martins de Almeida
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Laís Campos de Oliveira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation and data collection were performed by PPA, LIMA, and LCO. Analysis were performed by PPA and RGO. The first draft of the manuscript was written by PPA and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Laís Campos de Oliveira.

Ethics declarations

Competing interest

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Ethical approval

Not applicable.

Consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent to publish

Not applicable.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary Information

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

de Almeida, P.P., de Oliveira, R.G., de Almeida, L.I.M. et al. Effects of Pilates exercises on health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Qual Life Res (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-024-03651-x

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-024-03651-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation