Abstract
Biomechanical imbalances and inefficient functional movements are considered contributing
factors to running-related injuries. Clinical Pilates uses a series of exercises focused
on retraining normal movement patterns. This study investigated whether a 6-week course
of Clinical Pilates improves functional movement and thereby, potentially, reduces
the risk of running-related injuries associated with movement dysfunction. A modified
functional movement screen was used to analyze the functional movement ability of
forty runners. Forty participants completed a 6-week course of Clinical Pilates delivered
by a Clinical Pilates instructor. The movement screen was carried out 3 times for
each runner: 6 weeks pre-intervention (baseline), within one week pre-intervention
(pre) and within one week post-intervention (post). Repeated-measures analysis of
variance and post-hoc tests found significant increases in scores between baseline
and post (mean±SD; 13.4±2.4 vs. 17.0±1.7, p<0.01) and pre and post (mean±SD; 13.5±2.5
vs. 17.0±1.7, p<0.01), but no significant difference between baseline and pre (p=0.3).
A 6-week course of Clinical Pilates significantly improves functional movement in
recreational runners, and this may lead to a reduction in the risk of running-related
injuries.
Key word
pilates - functional - movement - injury - running
