%0 Journal Article %T Pilates: what is it? Should it be used in rehabilitation? %A Di Lorenzo CE %J Sports Health %V 3 %N 4 %D Jul 2011 %M 23016028 %F 4.355 %R 10.1177/1941738111410285 %X BACKGROUND: The interest and popularity of Pilates is increasing worldwide. In addition to being used in fitness programs, it is being used in some rehabilitation programs.
METHODS: This review summarizes level III evidence from 1995 to 2009 obtained from PubMed (MEDLINE), CINAHL, and the Internet. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals were retrieved for appraisal. The keywords searched were Pilates and core stabilization.
RESULTS: Ninety articles were identified in MEDLINE and CINAHL; 9 articles satisfied the inclusion criteria for level III evidence.
CONCLUSIONS: There is a scientific basis for the effectiveness of Pilates exercise, with limited evidence to support it as a rehabilitative intervention.