The Effect of Pilates Method in Scholar’s Trunk Strength and Hamstring Flexibility: Gender Differences
Musculoskeletal injuries in school children could be
reduced improving trunk strength and hamstring flexibility. Low
levels of trunk muscle strength and hamstring flexibility may result in
acute and musculoskeletal chronic diseases. The Pilates Method can
be appropriate to improve these physical condition attributes and has
been rarely employed by this social group. On the other hand, it has
been shown that trunk strength and flexibility are different between
genders, but there is no evidence about the effect of exercise
programs designed to improve both items in school children.
Therefore the objective of this study was to measure the effect of a
six-week Pilates-based exercise program in 14 year old school
children trunk strength and hamstring flexibility, establishing
differences in gender. The sample was composed of 57 students
divided into experimental group (EG; n=30) and control group (CG;
n=27). Bench Trunk Curl test (BTC), Sörensen test and Toe-touch
test (TT) were used to measure dynamic muscular resistance in trunk
flexion, isometric strength in trunk extension and hamstring
flexibility, respectively. EG utilized the Pilates exercise program
during six-weeks (2 days/week, 55minutes/session). After this period
of training, EG improved trunk strength and hamstring flexibility
significantly but there were no significant differences within CG.
Although boys were better in BTC test and girls were better in TT
test, there were no significant differences between them.
[1] V. Akuthota, and S. Nadler. “Core strengthening” Archives of Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation, 85, 2004, 86-92.
[2] B. Bixler, and R.L. Jones, R. L. “High-school foorball injuries: effects of
a post-halftime warm-up and stretching routine” American Journal of
Sports Medicine, 12, 1992, 131-139.
[3] P.A. Lopez-Miñarro. “Ejercicios desaconsejados en la actividad Física.
Detección y alternativas” 2000. Barcelona: INDE
[4] F.M. Kovacs, M. Gestoso, MT.G. Del Real, J.Lopez, N. Mufraggi, and
J.I. Mendez. “Risk factors for non-specific low back pain in
schoolchildren and their parents: a population based study” Pain, 103,
2003, 259-268.
[5] C. Bouchard, F.T. Dionne, J.A. Simoneau, and M.R. Boulay. “Genetics
of aerobic and anaerobic performances” Exercise and Sports Sciences
Reviews, 1992, 20, 27-58.
[6] K.. Tiainen, S. Sipila, M. Alen, E. Heikkinen, J. Kaprio, M. Koskenvuo,
A. Tolvanen, S. Pajala, S. and T. Rantanen. “Heritability of maximal
isometric muscle strength in older female twins” Journal of Applied
Physiology, 2004, 96, 173-180.
[7] J. Ftitz, and M. George. “The use of a classification approach to identify
subgroups of patients with acute low pain. Interrater realiabity
andshotyerm treatament otcomes” Spine, 2000, 25, 106-114.
[8] S.L. Edmon, and D.T. Felson, D.T. “Prevalence of back pain syntoms”
Journal Rheumatology, 2000, 27(1), 220-225.
[9] R.F.C. Moreira, F.H. Akagi, P.Y.L. Wun, C.S. Moriguchi and T.O. Sato
“Effects of a school based exercise program on children's resistance and
flexibility” Work, 41, 2012, 922-928.
[10] D. Mayorga, J. Viciana, A. Cocca, and M.T. Miranda. “Efecto del
entrenamiento de la fuerza sobre la resistencia muscular abdominal en
escolares pre-púberes” EF Deportes, 15(148), 2010, 1. En línea:
http://www.efdeportes.com/efd148/resistencia-muscular-abdominal-enpre-
puberes.htm (12/05/2012).
[11] A. Lavandera, O. Abadia, and J. Azael, (2006). Influencia de un trabajo
de flexibilidad en las clases de educación física en primaria. Revista
digital Ef deportes, 11(100), 2006, 1-8.
[12] P. Sainz de Baranda, P.L. Rodríguez, F. Santonja, and P. Andujar “La
columna vertebral del escolar Sevilla: Wanceulen.
[13] R. Valdivia, F. Calero and L. Orlando “ Programas de ejercicios físicos
de estiramientos para la mejora del acortamiento isquiosural”. Revista
digital Ef deportes, 15(154), 2011, 1-16.
[14] R.C.T. Nelson, and W.D. Bandy, W.D. “Eccentric Training and Static
Stretching Improve Hamstring Flexibility of High School Males”
Journal of Athletic Training, 39(3), 2014, 254-258.
[15] D.A. Reid, and P.J. McNair. “Passive Force, Angle, and Stiffness
Changes after Stretching of Hamstring Muscles” Medicine and Science
in Sports and Exercise, 36(11), 2004, 1944-1948.
[16] P.L. Rodríguez, F. Santonja, M. Canteras, M. Delgado, J. Fernández,
and J. Balsalobre. “Mejora de la extensibilidad isquiosural tras un
programa escolar de estiramientos” Selección, 8(4), 1999, 15-22. 16
[17] P. Sainz de Baranda. “ El trabajo de la flexibilidad en Educación Física:
Programa de intervención” Ciencia Cultura y Deporte, 4(10), 2009, 33-
38.
[18] A.C. Sollerhed and G. Ejlertsson.“Physical benefits of expanded
physical education in primary school: findings from a 3-year
intervention study in Sweden” Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and
Sciences in sports, 18, 2008,102-107.
[19] K. Adamany. Pilates: Guía para la mejora del rendimiento. 2006.
Badalona: Paidotribo.
[20] A. Menendes. “The complete guide to Joseph H. Pilates´ techniques of
physical conditioning: with special help for back pain and sport training”
(2nd ed). 2004. United states of America.libraryof congress cataloguingin-
publication data. Hunter House. Inc publishers.
[21] I.E. García, S.M. De Barros, and M. Saldanha. Avaliação isocinética da
musculatura envolvida na flexão e extensão do tronco: efeito do método
Pilates” Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte, 2004, 10(6), 487-
490.
[22] J. Kloubec. “Pilates for improvement of muscle endurance, flexibility,
balance and posture” Journal of stretch and conditioning research, 2010,
24(3), 661-667.
[23] N. Segal, J. Hein, and J. Basford. “The effects of Pilates training on
flexibility and body composition: an observational study” Archives of
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2004, 85, 1977-1981.
[24] B. Sekendiz, O. Altun, F. Korkusuz, and S. Akın. “Effects of Pilates
exercise on trunk strength, endurance and flexibility in sedentary adult
females. Exercise Physiology” Journal of Bodywork and Movement
Therapies, 2007, 11,318-326.
[25] C. Bouchard, F.T. Dionne, J.A. Simoneau, and M.R. Boulay. “Genetics
of aerobic and anaerobic performances” Exercise and Sports Sciences
Reviews, 20, 1992, 27-58.
[26] K. Tiainen, S. Sipila, M. Alen, E. Heikkinen, J. Kaprio, M.Koskenvuo,
A. Tolvanen, S.Pajala, and T. Rantanen. “Heritability of maximal
isometric muscle strength in older female twins” Journal of Applied
Physiology, 96, 2004, 173-180.
[27] D. Knudson “The validity of recent curl-up test in Young adults” Journal
of strength and conditioning research, 15(1), 2001, 81-85.
[28] C. Demoulin, M.Vanderthommen, C. Duysens and J.M. Crielaard
“Spinal muscle evaluation using the Sorensen test: a critical appraisal of
the literature” Joint Bone Spine, 73, 2006, 43-50.
[29] F. Santonja, V. Ferrer and I. Martínez “Exploraciónclínica del síndrome
de isquiosuralescortos”. Selección, 4(2), 1991, 81-91.
[30] N. González-Gálvez, M. Carrasco, and P.J. Marcos. “El Método Pilates:
una propuesta didáctica para 3º de Educación Secundaria
Obligatoria”EmásF: Revista digital de Educación Física, 4(24), 2013, 1-
14.
[31] J.C. Eisenmann andR.M. Malina. “Age- and sex-associated variation in
neuromuscular capacities of adolescent distance runners”Journal of
Sports Sciences. Jul;21(7), 2003, 551-557.
[32] H. Krombholz. “Physical performance in relation to age, sex, birth order,
social class, and sports activities of preschool children” Perceptual and
Motor Skills.Apr;102(2), 2006, 477-84.
[33] F.B. Ortega, J.R. Ruiz, M.J. Castillo, L.A. Moreno, A. Urzanqui, M.
Gonzalez-Gross et al. “Health-related physical fitness according to
chronological and biological age in adolescents. The AVENA study.
Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. Sep;48(3), 2008, 371-
379.
[34] M. Saar and T.Jurimae. “Relationships between anthropometry, physical
activity and motor abilities in 10-17 year old Estonians” Journal of
Human Movement Studies.47(1), 2004, 1-12.
[35] A. Starker, T. Lampert, A. Worth, J. Oberger, H. Kahl and K. Bos.
“Motor fitness. Results of the German Health Interview and
Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents
(KiGGS)”Bundesgesundheitsblatt-
GesundheitsforschungGesundheitsschutz. May-Jun;50(5-6), 2007, 775-
783.
[36] C. León “Influencia del sexo en la práctica deportiva. Biología de la
mujer deportista” Arbor CLXV, 650 (feb, 2000), 249-263.
[1] V. Akuthota, and S. Nadler. “Core strengthening” Archives of Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation, 85, 2004, 86-92.
[2] B. Bixler, and R.L. Jones, R. L. “High-school foorball injuries: effects of
a post-halftime warm-up and stretching routine” American Journal of
Sports Medicine, 12, 1992, 131-139.
[3] P.A. Lopez-Miñarro. “Ejercicios desaconsejados en la actividad Física.
Detección y alternativas” 2000. Barcelona: INDE
[4] F.M. Kovacs, M. Gestoso, MT.G. Del Real, J.Lopez, N. Mufraggi, and
J.I. Mendez. “Risk factors for non-specific low back pain in
schoolchildren and their parents: a population based study” Pain, 103,
2003, 259-268.
[5] C. Bouchard, F.T. Dionne, J.A. Simoneau, and M.R. Boulay. “Genetics
of aerobic and anaerobic performances” Exercise and Sports Sciences
Reviews, 1992, 20, 27-58.
[6] K.. Tiainen, S. Sipila, M. Alen, E. Heikkinen, J. Kaprio, M. Koskenvuo,
A. Tolvanen, S. Pajala, S. and T. Rantanen. “Heritability of maximal
isometric muscle strength in older female twins” Journal of Applied
Physiology, 2004, 96, 173-180.
[7] J. Ftitz, and M. George. “The use of a classification approach to identify
subgroups of patients with acute low pain. Interrater realiabity
andshotyerm treatament otcomes” Spine, 2000, 25, 106-114.
[8] S.L. Edmon, and D.T. Felson, D.T. “Prevalence of back pain syntoms”
Journal Rheumatology, 2000, 27(1), 220-225.
[9] R.F.C. Moreira, F.H. Akagi, P.Y.L. Wun, C.S. Moriguchi and T.O. Sato
“Effects of a school based exercise program on children's resistance and
flexibility” Work, 41, 2012, 922-928.
[10] D. Mayorga, J. Viciana, A. Cocca, and M.T. Miranda. “Efecto del
entrenamiento de la fuerza sobre la resistencia muscular abdominal en
escolares pre-púberes” EF Deportes, 15(148), 2010, 1. En línea:
http://www.efdeportes.com/efd148/resistencia-muscular-abdominal-enpre-
puberes.htm (12/05/2012).
[11] A. Lavandera, O. Abadia, and J. Azael, (2006). Influencia de un trabajo
de flexibilidad en las clases de educación física en primaria. Revista
digital Ef deportes, 11(100), 2006, 1-8.
[12] P. Sainz de Baranda, P.L. Rodríguez, F. Santonja, and P. Andujar “La
columna vertebral del escolar Sevilla: Wanceulen.
[13] R. Valdivia, F. Calero and L. Orlando “ Programas de ejercicios físicos
de estiramientos para la mejora del acortamiento isquiosural”. Revista
digital Ef deportes, 15(154), 2011, 1-16.
[14] R.C.T. Nelson, and W.D. Bandy, W.D. “Eccentric Training and Static
Stretching Improve Hamstring Flexibility of High School Males”
Journal of Athletic Training, 39(3), 2014, 254-258.
[15] D.A. Reid, and P.J. McNair. “Passive Force, Angle, and Stiffness
Changes after Stretching of Hamstring Muscles” Medicine and Science
in Sports and Exercise, 36(11), 2004, 1944-1948.
[16] P.L. Rodríguez, F. Santonja, M. Canteras, M. Delgado, J. Fernández,
and J. Balsalobre. “Mejora de la extensibilidad isquiosural tras un
programa escolar de estiramientos” Selección, 8(4), 1999, 15-22. 16
[17] P. Sainz de Baranda. “ El trabajo de la flexibilidad en Educación Física:
Programa de intervención” Ciencia Cultura y Deporte, 4(10), 2009, 33-
38.
[18] A.C. Sollerhed and G. Ejlertsson.“Physical benefits of expanded
physical education in primary school: findings from a 3-year
intervention study in Sweden” Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and
Sciences in sports, 18, 2008,102-107.
[19] K. Adamany. Pilates: Guía para la mejora del rendimiento. 2006.
Badalona: Paidotribo.
[20] A. Menendes. “The complete guide to Joseph H. Pilates´ techniques of
physical conditioning: with special help for back pain and sport training”
(2nd ed). 2004. United states of America.libraryof congress cataloguingin-
publication data. Hunter House. Inc publishers.
[21] I.E. García, S.M. De Barros, and M. Saldanha. Avaliação isocinética da
musculatura envolvida na flexão e extensão do tronco: efeito do método
Pilates” Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte, 2004, 10(6), 487-
490.
[22] J. Kloubec. “Pilates for improvement of muscle endurance, flexibility,
balance and posture” Journal of stretch and conditioning research, 2010,
24(3), 661-667.
[23] N. Segal, J. Hein, and J. Basford. “The effects of Pilates training on
flexibility and body composition: an observational study” Archives of
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2004, 85, 1977-1981.
[24] B. Sekendiz, O. Altun, F. Korkusuz, and S. Akın. “Effects of Pilates
exercise on trunk strength, endurance and flexibility in sedentary adult
females. Exercise Physiology” Journal of Bodywork and Movement
Therapies, 2007, 11,318-326.
[25] C. Bouchard, F.T. Dionne, J.A. Simoneau, and M.R. Boulay. “Genetics
of aerobic and anaerobic performances” Exercise and Sports Sciences
Reviews, 20, 1992, 27-58.
[26] K. Tiainen, S. Sipila, M. Alen, E. Heikkinen, J. Kaprio, M.Koskenvuo,
A. Tolvanen, S.Pajala, and T. Rantanen. “Heritability of maximal
isometric muscle strength in older female twins” Journal of Applied
Physiology, 96, 2004, 173-180.
[27] D. Knudson “The validity of recent curl-up test in Young adults” Journal
of strength and conditioning research, 15(1), 2001, 81-85.
[28] C. Demoulin, M.Vanderthommen, C. Duysens and J.M. Crielaard
“Spinal muscle evaluation using the Sorensen test: a critical appraisal of
the literature” Joint Bone Spine, 73, 2006, 43-50.
[29] F. Santonja, V. Ferrer and I. Martínez “Exploraciónclínica del síndrome
de isquiosuralescortos”. Selección, 4(2), 1991, 81-91.
[30] N. González-Gálvez, M. Carrasco, and P.J. Marcos. “El Método Pilates:
una propuesta didáctica para 3º de Educación Secundaria
Obligatoria”EmásF: Revista digital de Educación Física, 4(24), 2013, 1-
14.
[31] J.C. Eisenmann andR.M. Malina. “Age- and sex-associated variation in
neuromuscular capacities of adolescent distance runners”Journal of
Sports Sciences. Jul;21(7), 2003, 551-557.
[32] H. Krombholz. “Physical performance in relation to age, sex, birth order,
social class, and sports activities of preschool children” Perceptual and
Motor Skills.Apr;102(2), 2006, 477-84.
[33] F.B. Ortega, J.R. Ruiz, M.J. Castillo, L.A. Moreno, A. Urzanqui, M.
Gonzalez-Gross et al. “Health-related physical fitness according to
chronological and biological age in adolescents. The AVENA study.
Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. Sep;48(3), 2008, 371-
379.
[34] M. Saar and T.Jurimae. “Relationships between anthropometry, physical
activity and motor abilities in 10-17 year old Estonians” Journal of
Human Movement Studies.47(1), 2004, 1-12.
[35] A. Starker, T. Lampert, A. Worth, J. Oberger, H. Kahl and K. Bos.
“Motor fitness. Results of the German Health Interview and
Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents
(KiGGS)”Bundesgesundheitsblatt-
GesundheitsforschungGesundheitsschutz. May-Jun;50(5-6), 2007, 775-
783.
[36] C. León “Influencia del sexo en la práctica deportiva. Biología de la
mujer deportista” Arbor CLXV, 650 (feb, 2000), 249-263.
@article{"International Journal of Medical, Medicine and Health Sciences:68520", author = "Noelia González-Gálvez and María Carrasco Poyatos and Pablo Jorge Marcos Pardo and Yuri Feito", title = "The Effect of Pilates Method in Scholar’s Trunk Strength and Hamstring Flexibility: Gender Differences", abstract = "Musculoskeletal injuries in school children could be
reduced improving trunk strength and hamstring flexibility. Low
levels of trunk muscle strength and hamstring flexibility may result in
acute and musculoskeletal chronic diseases. The Pilates Method can
be appropriate to improve these physical condition attributes and has
been rarely employed by this social group. On the other hand, it has
been shown that trunk strength and flexibility are different between
genders, but there is no evidence about the effect of exercise
programs designed to improve both items in school children.
Therefore the objective of this study was to measure the effect of a
six-week Pilates-based exercise program in 14 year old school
children trunk strength and hamstring flexibility, establishing
differences in gender. The sample was composed of 57 students
divided into experimental group (EG; n=30) and control group (CG;
n=27). Bench Trunk Curl test (BTC), Sörensen test and Toe-touch
test (TT) were used to measure dynamic muscular resistance in trunk
flexion, isometric strength in trunk extension and hamstring
flexibility, respectively. EG utilized the Pilates exercise program
during six-weeks (2 days/week, 55minutes/session). After this period
of training, EG improved trunk strength and hamstring flexibility
significantly but there were no significant differences within CG.
Although boys were better in BTC test and girls were better in TT
test, there were no significant differences between them.
", keywords = "Teens, school, trunk muscular resistance,
intervention, physical performance, abdominal, back.", volume = "8", number = "6", pages = "358-4", }
