EFFECTS OF A PILATES EXERCISE PROGRAM ON CORE STRENGTH IN FEMALES

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a core stability-training program on core strength in females. Core stability is the strength and control of postural muscles of the back, abdomen, and pelvis. Some researchers have suggested that core stability might partially explain why females are more prone to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury than males. We randomly assigned 17 female volunteer participants to an exercise or control group. We measured maximum isometric strength of the hip abductors, abdominals, and back extensors, before and after ten weeks of Pilates exercise. The exercise group met three times weekly for 40 minute supervised exercise sessions. A repeated measures MANOVA revealed no training effect at the end of the intervention (F = 0.435, p = 0.87)