Effect of the pilates method on pain and quality of life in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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

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.

REPORTING METHOD

PRISMA Declaration.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number CRD42024513781.

Pilates lessens pain and disability and improves quality of life in people with musculoskeletal conditions in the extremities: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Pilates has gained popularity for its benefits in reducing pain and disability among people with low back pain. However, conflicting evidence exists regarding its efficacy for musculoskeletal conditions in the upper and lower limbs.

OBJECTIVES

Investigate the effect of Pilates on pain, disability, quality of life, and physical function in people with musculoskeletal conditions in the extremities.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies using Pilates for musculoskeletal conditions in the extremities. Our outcomes included pain, disability, quality of life, and physical function. We searched eleven databases from inception to December 2023. Evidence was synthesised as standardised mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using random-effects models. Risk of bias was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk of bias tool or the ROBINS-I tool. GRADE was used to determine evidence certainty.

RESULTS

Eleven studies (n = 444) were included. Studies had moderate to high risk of bias. Pilates lessened pain (5 studies; SMD 1.41, 95% CI, 0.54-2.28), and disability (5 studies; SMD 0.83, 95% CI, 0.15-1.50), and improved quality of life (2 studies; SMD 2.10, 95% CI, 0.34-3.86) compared to the control group. The effect of Pilates on strength compared to the control the group was estimated to be small (3 studies; SMD 0.35), with unclear true effect due to uncertainty (95% CI, -0.27-0.98). The effects of Pilates on further aspects of physical function, including balance, proprioception, and range of motion remain unclear due to a lack of data which prevented meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION

Pilates was found to lessen pain and disability and improve quality of life in people with musculoskeletal conditions in the extremities compared to control. However, this evidence is of a very low certainty. The effect of Pilates on physical function remains uncertain. The evidence supporting the superiority of Pilates over other exercise interventions is inconclusive.

REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42022375925).

The association between sleep trajectories throughout pregnancy and postpartum pain in individuals with overweight or obesity: a prospective cohort study

Background

Pain after childbirth affects maternal and infant outcomes. Although sleep influences pain in general adult populations, research on this during the perinatal period is limited. This study examines the association between sleep quality and duration changes from mid to late pregnancy and pain during postpartum hospitalization.

Methods

This secondary data analysis included 118 pregnant individuals (12-20 weeks gestation at enrollment) with a pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m². The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index estimated sleep quality and duration at six prenatal visits. Group-based trajectory models identified distinct sleep patterns. Pain was assessed every 8 hours during the three-day postpartum hospitalization using a 0-10 numeric rating scale and was then calculated as the pain Area Under the Curve (AUC). Multivariable-adjusted linear regression analyzed the relationship between sleep trajectories and postpartum pain.

Results

Two trajectories for sleep quality and two for sleep duration were identified. The "Consistently poor" group showed increasing PSQI scores from 9 to 11, while the "Late worsening" group's scores increased from 4 to 6. The "Late decreasing" duration group consistently slept 6-7 hours, while the "Consistently short" group maintained 5-6 hours nightly. No significant associations were found between sleep quality (expβ = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.51 to 1.17, p = 0.22) or duration (expβ = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.46 to 1.21, p = 0.24) and postpartum pain.

Conclusions

Sleep quality and duration changes during pregnancy were not associated with postpartum pain in this cohort. Future research should explore sleep's impact on pain later in the postpartum period when chronic pain may develop.

[Review of physical exercise as treatment for low back pain in pregnant women]

Low back pain (LBP) in pregnant women can have a negative impact on daily activities, reduce quality of life and increase absenteeism from work. Despite its high prevalence, ranging from 13.2 to 80%, it is estimated that more than 50% of pregnant women receive little or no intervention from healthcare professionals, and it is often mistakenly considered as a normal phenomenon. Given the side effects of pharmacological treatment of LBP in pregnant women, and the fact that physical exercise during pregnancy has been shown to be effective in reducing the intensity of LBP, the aim of this article is to raise awareness among primary care physicians so that they prescribe physical exercise to pregnant women with LBP and avoid physical inactivity as a consequence of LBP, as this can lead to a higher incidence of obstetric complications and caesarean section.

Dose-Response Effects on LBP, Sleep, and Depression of Online Pre-Partum and Post-Partum Pilates-Based Programs

Purpose: Pilates-based programs can help pregnant women deal with the physical and psychological burden derived by major changes in their body. This study was designed to primarily test, in pregnant women, the dose-response and health effects of both pre-partum and post-partum, online Pilates-based program on weight control, low back pain (LBP) severity, sleep disturbances, mood and depression levels. Methods: A total of 136 pregnant women were screened for eligibility (low-risk pregnancy; aged 18-45 years; single pregnancy; 20-28-week gestational age, normal BMI). Participants completed an online Pilates-based program during pregnancy and after delivery, through an online platform guided by a Pilates, Yoga and Lagree certified instructor. Main outcomes (weight control, LBP disability, sleep quality, mood, and mental health) were assessed at baseline and at the completion of pre- and post-partum programs. Results: Regarding pre-partum, significant gains in weight were observed only in low- and intermediate-amount exercisers. Only high-amount exercisers did not display significant increase in LBP-related disability (+42.7%; p = .21) unlike low (+12.2%; p < .0001) and intermediate exercisers (+9.6%; p < .0001). Sleep disturbances increased significantly in low- (+24.3%; p = .005) but not in intermediate- (+4.6%; p = .50) and high-amount exercisers (-0.1%; p = .91). Regardless of the amount of exercise, depression scores improved in all groups. Following post-partum intervention (n = 40), only intermediate-amount exercisers showed significant reductions in sleep disturbances (-24.1%; p = .003) and depression (15.9%; p = .04). Conclusions: Approximately 270 min/week of an online Pilates-based program were needed to prevent LBP worsening, and sleep deterioration in pregnant women. A different pattern was outlined for those women resuming the Pilates-based intervention at post-partum, with 150 min/week emerging as the "dose" of exercise capable of inducing the largest improvements in LBP, sleep, and mood disturbances.

The wonders of mind-body practices during pregnancy: A topical review

This topical review provides an up-to-date overview of the latest advancements in mind-body therapies in the gynaecological research field. It explores the various mind-body practices and their multifaceted benefits for expectant mothers during the transformative phase of pregnancy, including physical, emotional, and psychological aspects. The research highlights the importance of these practices in promoting maternal and fetal well-being. Prenatal yoga is found to enhance physical health, reduce discomfort, and lower stress and anxiety levels, potentially leading to shorter labour durations. Meditation is revealed to reduce stress and anxiety while nurturing emotional resilience. Prenatal Pilates improves musculoskeletal health and prepares mothers for labour, emphasising controlled movements and breathing techniques. Breathing techniques prove to be helpful for pregnant women in effectively managing pain during labour. Acupressure and reflexology offer non-pharmacological pain relief for common discomforts. Tai Chi improves physical fitness, flexibility, and mental well-being. This brief review, using evidence available from pre-clinical studies in physiological gynaecology literature, demonstrates the role of mind-body practices in enhancing the pregnancy journey, emphasising their integration into daily routines to contribute to overall well-being. By selecting the right practice or combination, expectant mothers can experience an overall better pregnancy.

Contactless exercise intervention in prenatal and postnatal period during COVID-19 lowers the risk of postpartum depression

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial adverse impact on the physical and mental health of pregnant and postpartum women, thereby increasing the risk of postpartum depression (PPD). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a continuous contactless exercise intervention in reducing the risk of depression during the prenatal and postnatal periods. The study utilized an interactive contactless exercise program consisting of Pilates movement over a 16-week period, with 8 weeks during pregnancy and 8 weeks after childbirth. Metabolic and psychological factors related to postpartum depression, including pain, stress, and stress-response markers, were analyzed. The results showed that the exercise intervention significantly alleviated postpartum depression by improving pain (Oswestry Disability Index: Non-exercise, 11.4 ± 14.8 versus Exercise, - 63.1 ± 18.4, p < .001) and stress factors (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: Non-exercise, 8.8 ± 8.72 versus Exercise, - 37.6 ± 9.13, p < .001; Perceived Stress Scale: Non-exercise, 9.21 ± 9.35 versus Exercise, - 20.7 ± 14.4, p < .001) caused by physical/structural imbalances in postpartum women. Additionally, the intervention improved the metabolic imbalances commonly observed after childbirth, including reductions in triglyceride (Interaction effect, p = .017), insulin (Interaction effect, p = .032), and cortisol levels (Interaction effect, p < .001), which are recognized risk factors for postpartum depression. Taken together, these findings suggest that contactless online exercise interventions can mitigate postpartum depression by addressing metabolic dysregulation that frequently occurs after delivery, especially in situations of social isolation caused by the pandemic.

The Influence of Physical Activity during Pregnancy on Maternal Pain and Discomfort: A Meta-Analysis

Pregnant women may experience pain and discomfort during pregnancy, especially in areas such as the lower back and pelvic girdle. Pain in pregnancy is associated with poor quality of life, and because it is a common occurrence, pregnant women may be offered several resources to prevent discomforts throughout pregnancy, such as engaging in physical activity. This study was a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (prospectively registered in Prospero, registration number: CRD42023451320) aimed to assess the effects of physical activity during pregnancy on maternal pain and discomfort. We analysed 16 randomised clinical trials. The results of these analyses indicate that women who performed physical activity had significantly less intensity of pain (z = <2.69, p = <0.007; SMD = -0.66, 95% CI = -1.13, -0.18, I2 = <91%, Pheterogeneity = <0.001) and a reduction observed in the disability questionnaire (z = <2.37, p = <0.02; SMD = -0.80, 95% CI = -1.47, -0.14, I2 = <91%, Pheterogeneity = <0.001), and overall reduced general pain (z = <3.87, p = <0.001; SMD = -0.56, 95% CI = -0.84, -0.27, I2 = <86%, Pheterogeneity = <0.001) than women who did not practice physical activity during pregnancy. In conclusion, physical activity during pregnancy could effectively help to diminish pain intensity, reduce disability due to pain, and generally reduce pain.

Exploring the Connection between Migraines and Pregnancy: The Impact of Physical Activity on Symptom Management

Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder that significantly impacts the quality of life for affected individuals. The pathogenesis behind migraines is not yet fully understood, but hormonal changes, especially fluctuations in, estrogen and progesterone levels, have a significant role in the susceptibility of women to migraines. Pregnancy introduces a unique set of challenges for women who experience migraines, as they must navigate the complexities of managing their condition while safeguarding the health of both them and their unborn child. Pharmacological options for treating migraines during pregnancy are limited, and, therefore, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative approaches to migraine symptom relief and management. Physical activity during pregnancy provides a range of benefits, and it has gained attention as a potentially valuable tool for alleviating migraine symptoms in pregnant patients. This review explores the intricate relationship between migraines and pregnancy, emphasizing how physical activity and other alternative approaches may influence the frequency, severity, and overall experience of migraines during pregnancy. Through collaboration with healthcare providers and the adoption of personalized management strategies, women can strike a balance that supports both their own well-being and the healthy development of their unborn child. By examining existing research and emerging insights, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits and considerations of incorporating physical activity and other treatment options into migraine management strategies for pregnant women. Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms linking migraines, pregnancy, and physical activity, enabling the development of more targeted interventions and guidelines.