Evaluation of trunk and pelvis coordination during the rolling back exercise of the Pilates method performed under different elastic loads

• Grant number: 10/08168-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2010
• End date: July 31, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Nadia Fernanda Marconi
• Grantee: Marco Defensor de Moura
• Host Institution: Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE). Campus Memorial. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

When executed on equipments, the exercises of the Pilates Method are performed under the imposition of elastic loads (spring). However, the elastic load effects on kinematics and EMG pattern have been described only to simple movements. Moreover, few studies have analyzed Pilates' exercises on the biomechanics and motor control point of view. Studies with that kind of approach contribute to choose proper exercises for therapeutic effects. Purpose: to describe the kinematics strategies (angular displacement, velocity and acceleration of head, trunk, pelvis, and hip) used during every phase of the rolling back exercise performed under different spring loads, with and without activation of the powerhouse, according to Pilates Method. Methods: eight healthy subjects and non Pilates practitioners will attend to this study. The rolling back exercise performed on Cadillac equipment (D&D Pilates) will be reconstructed using a 3D motion analysis system (Optotrak 3020, Northen Digital, Inc.). We presume that the subjects will perform the task expressing a high intersegment correlation. Such coordination would be measured through the linear correlation between the angular displacements of two segments linked by chain (trunk and pelvis). Also, we expect that the imposition of spring loads of different magnitudes and the powerhouse activation, one of the Pilates Method principles, will affect the coordination. (AU)