Neuromuscular efficiency of the multifidus muscle in pilates practitioners and non-practitioners

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.