Effects of Pilates training on neck-shoulder posture and movement

The purpose of this Master's project was to investigate the effects of a l2-week Pilates training program on neck-shoulder posture and motion, core strength and neck-shoulder kinematics and muscles activity associated with a shoulder flexion task performed under six different conditions. After the training, scapula anterior tilt and upper and lower thoracic extension were reduced and there was increased activity of the rectus abdominis, serratus anterior and rhomboid muscles during the shoulder flexion task; passive shoulder range of motion increased in flexion and internal rotation; static thoracic kyphosis was smaller and abdominal strength was greater. Theses results suggest that Pilates is effective in improving core strength, thoracic static and dynamic posture, and shoulder flexibility as well as in stabilizing core posture as limb movements are performed. Our results support the use of the Pilates method in the rehabilitation, and possibly in the prevention, of neck-shoulder disorders