Acute effects of a pilates method session on flexibility and performance in practitioners of an extreme conditioning program: A preliminary study

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of Pilates exercises on flexibility and performance in practitioners of an extreme conditioning program (ECP). The hypothesis adopted was that Pilates could activate deeper muscles and improve the stability of core muscles.

Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study with individuals practicing an ECP submitted to a Pilates method (PM) exercise session. The Wells bench test was used to assess flexibility, while performance was evaluated using the Wall Ball exercise commonly performed by ECP practitioners. The perception of effort was measured using the Borg scale.

Results: A single session of PM exercises was able to significantly improve flexibility immediately after the exercises (p < 0.001) and performance in one of the movements of the ECP (p < 0.001), as well as decrease the perception of effort.

Conclusion: An acute intervention with Pilates exercises promoted improvement in performance of the CrossFit Wall Ball exercise.