Effects of Pilates on the quality of life of pregnant women during pregnancy: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: The practice of the Pilates method (PM) improves sleep quality, as well as it could decrease low back pain. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Pilates on the quality of life (QoL) of pregnant women during pregnancy. Methods: A systematic review examining perceived QoL, pain, and mental health in pregnant women practising the PM was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 criteria in the Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Trip Database electronic databases, including studies published between January 2013 and February 2024. Methodological quality was assessed using the critical appraisal tool for studies of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Results: Ten publications addressing the key words on the topic were included involving a total of 499 pregnant women, of which 268 had practiced Pilates and 231 had received routine care. The results showed that, in 2 of the studies, pregnant women who had practised the PM during pregnancy showed an improvement in perceived QoL (chi-squared value = 5.597, P = .018), sleep quality (P = .018) and physical mobility (P = .040). Lumbopelvic pain (LBPP) was reduced in the group of pregnant women in eight of these studies (with values of P < .001 and P < .05), and 1 study reported no significant differences among these variables. In terms of mental health, 2 studies reported a decrease in anxiety (P < .05 and P = .009) and 1 study indicated lower depression levels (scores of control group from a mean of 6.19 to 7.54, and the intervention group from a mean of 8.61 to 4.59). Conclusion: The PM shows benefits in improving the QoL of pregnant women who practise it during pregnancy. Other indicators such as LBPP and mental health also benefit from Pilates. The practice of physical activity, supervised by nurses and midwives, can lead to an improvement in pregnant women’s perception of their own health and QoL.