Work

Impact of Pilates training on lower limb joint muscle strength in unilateral transtibial amputees: a single-cohort pre-post- intervention study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: This study investigates the impact of a 3-month Pilates training program on lower limb joint muscle strength in unilateral transtibial amputees (TTA), focusing on enhancing muscle function in both the intact and residual limbs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a single-cohort pre-post-intervention study without a control group. Ten TTA participants, actively using prostheses for at least six months, completed a Pilates intervention with 36 sessions online, involving progressively increasing exercise intensities. Measurements of joint muscle strength in the intact limb and residual limb hip were taken at baseline, pre- and post-intervention, and at a three-month follow-up using an isokinetic dynamometer. Repeated measures ANOVA determined statistical significance (alpha level, p < 0.05); and effect size (ES) differences were determined to highlight clinical meaningfulness. RESULTS: Significant muscle strength increases were observed in the intact limb ankle (45.6 % plantarflexors, 11.9 % dorsiflexors), knee (25.9 % extensors, 28.7 % flexors), hip (22.9 % flexors, 42.2 % extensors) and hip of the residual limb (23.1 % flexors, 52.1 % extensors) - all increases represented a large effect size (ES > 3.0). These improvements persisted at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrated that Pilates training significantly improved joint muscle strength in the intact and residual limbs of the TTA participant group. These preliminary findings support Pilates as a beneficial and accessible modality for enhancing strength and mobility in lower limb amputees. However, further randomised controlled studies are required to fully determine the effects of Pilates training on functional outcomes and mobility in lower limb amputees.

Source: Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice

DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.102000

Authors: Janny Mirian Antonelli Tavares, Letícia Pophal Cutisque, John Gerrard Buckley, André Luiz Felix Rodacki

Institutions: Universidade Federal do Paraná, University of Bradford

Language: English

Topic: Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Robotics

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,530