Pilates has a range of benefits when it comes to chronic musculoskeletal conditions says small study

A Pilates exercise programme was found to have multiple benefits for people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis and lower back pain, a research team reports in Musculoskeletal Care.

As well as improving the physical function of the 22 people aged 36 to 83 years in the study, the perceived benefits of Pilates included an increased active lifestyle, psychosocial benefits, and the ability to manage patients’ own conditions more effectively. Overall, the study participants felt that Pilates improved their physical and mental health and had positive consequences for social aspects of their lives.

“The Pilates based exercise programme was a facilitator to enable the participants to function better and manage their condition more effectively and independently,” explains study co-author Lynne Gaskell. “Improving function in meaningful daily activities produced psychological and social benefits that increased motivation to adhere to the programme and promote a healthier lifestyle.”

Click here to read the original findings.

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