REVIEW ARTICLE
Pilates Method for Lung Function and
Functional Capacity in Obese Adults
Janaina Rocha Niehues; Ana Inês Gonzáles, MSc; Robson R. Lemos, PhD; Patrícia Haas, PhD
ABSTRACT
Obesity is defined as the condition in which the body mass
index (BMI) is ≥ 30 kg/m2 and is responsible for decreased
quality of life and functional limitations. The harmful
effects on ventilatory function include reduced lung
capacity and volume; diaphragmatic muscle weakness;
decreased lung compliance and stiffness; and weakness of
the abdominal muscles, among others. Pilates is a method
of resistance training that works with low-impact muscle
exercises and is based on isometric exercises. The current
article is a review of the literature that aims to investigate
the hypothesis that the Pilates method, as a complementary
method of training, might be beneficial to pulmonary
function and functional capacity in obese adults. The
intent of the review was to evaluate the use of Pilates as an
innovative intervention in the respiratory dysfunctions of
obese adults.
In studies with other populations, it has been observed
that Pilates can be effective in improving chest capacity
and expansion and lung volume. That finding is due to the
fact that Pilates works through the center of force, made​​
Janaina Rocha Niehues is an undergraduate student and
laboratory assistant; Robson R. Lemos, PhD, is a faculty
member; and Patrícia Haas, PhD, is a faculty member in the
Division of Health Sciences, Núcleo de Pesquisa e
Desenvolvimento da Saúde (NUPEDS), at Universidade
Federal de Santa Catarina in Araranguá, Brazil. Ana Inês
Gonzáles, MSc, is a research assistant in the Division of
Health Sciences, NUPEDS, and she is a doctoral student in
human movement sciences in the Division of Sport and
Medicine, Núcleo de Cardiologia e Medicina do Exercício,
at Universidade Estadual de Santa Catarina in Florianópolis,
Brazil.
Corresponding author: Ana Inês Gonzáles, MSc
E-mail address: anainesgonzales@gmail.com
Niehues—Pilates for Lung Function and Functional Capacity
up of the abdominal muscles and gluteus muscles lumbar,
which are responsible for the stabilization of the static and
dynamic body that is associated with breath control. It has
been observed that different Pilates exercises increase the
activation and recruitment of the abdominal muscles.
Those muscles are important in respiration, both in
expiration and inspiration, through the facilitation of
diaphragmatic action. In that way, strengthening the
abdominal muscles can help improve respiratory function,
leading to improvements in lung volume and capacity. The
results found in the current literature review support the
authors’ observations that Pilates promotes the
strengthening of the abdominal muscles and that
improvements in diaphragmatic function may result in
positive outcomes in respiratory function, thereby
improving functional capacity. However, the authors did
not find specific studies with obese people, justifying the
need for future studies. (Altern Ther Health Med.
2015;21(5):##-##.)
O
besity is responsible for the manifestation of serious
health problems and is currently seen as a public
health problem, thus constituting a subject of
worldwide interest and strong impact.1,2 Obesity is defined as
a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2.
It is estimated that approximately 2.8 million annual deaths
worldwide are related to the harmful effects of being
overweight or obese.2,4,5,6
The accumulation of adipose tissue in the thorax and
abdomen, evident in the obese population, causes increased
stiffness of the chest and a reduction in lung compliance,
favoring airway closure, microatelectasis, and increased
pressure in static elastic retraction. As a result, a reduction in
lung volume and capacity occurs.7 In addition, patients’
breathing requires increased effort to maintain adequate
oxygenation, with an evident reduction in maximal oxygen
ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES, SEP/OCT 2015 VOL. 21 NO. 5 129
consumption (VO2max).7 Those changes lead to limitations
in the activities of daily life and in functional capacity and to
restrictions in the practice of physical exercise, all of which
negatively affect quality of life.8
In that context, the aim of the current study was to
investigate the hypothesis that the Pilates method, as a
complementary method of training, might be beneficial to
pulmonary function and functional capacity in obese
adults.
RESPIRATORY CHANGES
Respiratory Mechanics
Obesity has been found to be directly related to changes
in respiratory function and may lead to impairment of the
chest and diaphragmatic muscles, with physiological changes
being present even when the lungs are considered normal.9,10
Physiological changes that cause deleterious effects on
respiratory function may be evident, such as changes in
respiratory function, decreased strength in respiratory
muscles, decreased endurance, reduction in the exchange of
pulmonary gases, and less control of breathing, as well as
limitations in tests of pulmonary function and exercise
capacity. Those changes in lung function are caused by tissue
accumulation in the chest wall and abdomen, compressing
the chest wall, diaphragm, and lungs. Adipose tissue acts as a
barrier and results in a reduction of diaphragm displacement
and lung expansion, increased elastic recoil, and a decreased
lung volume. As a result, an overload of the inspiratory
muscles can occur.11
In many cases, lung compliance appears compromised
and may result in small areas of atelectasis (ie, a complete or
partial collapse of a lung or lobe of a lung) through an
increased volume of pulmonary blood and the closing of
dependent pathways. In addition, the increased elastic recoil,
reduced distensibility of structures,12 and increased alveolar
surface tension due to decreased functional residual capacity
(FRC) are directly related to the values of the BMI.12,13,14
In a comparative trial with obese and nonobese
individuals, a lower value for chest-wall compliance,
0.077 L/cm H2O, was found for the obese group when
compared with the nonobese group at 0.224 L/cm H2O. In the
same study, a significant correlation was observed between the
values ​​of vital capacity and total respiratory compliance.12
Other studies have found that another determining factor is
the fact that the deposit of fatty tissue imposes a mechanical
force that decreases the expansion of the rib cage,7,15 causing an
evident hypertonia of the abdominal muscles.9,10
Lung Volume and Capacity
In many cases of impaired respiratory mechanics, a
reduction may occur in the expiratory reserve volume
(ERV), and, consequently, in the FRC, which can result in a
weakness of the respiratory muscles, leading to an imbalance
in ventilation/perfusion.16,17
The reduction in FRC reflects an imbalance between
lung inflation and deflation as a result of the overload of
130 ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES, SEP/OCT 2015 VOL. 21 NO. 5
adipose tissue around the rib cage, abdomen, and visceral
cavity.14 Thus, an increase in respiratory effort occurs to try
to meet the metabolic demands of the body, resulting in
chronic hypercapnia and hypoxia.16,17
Studies have shown a direct correlation between BMI
and FRC, demonstrating that individuals with higher BMIs
had higher reductions in FRC.13,14 At the same time, the
values of BMI have been shown to have a direct relationship
to the degree of airway resistance and the work of breathing.13
With respect to total lung capacity and residual volume,
the changes are modest. The reasons for a reduction in lung
volume are still not well understood. Salome et al14 have
proposed that the reduction is due to a mechanical effect in
adipose tissue that is responsible for a reduction in the
downward movement of the diaphragm due to the increase
in abdominal mass, limiting the space for inflation of the
lungs. Alternatively, the researchers have suggested that the
reduction may be related to the deposition of fat in the
subpleural spaces or to a combination of the 2 factors.
In a clinical trial, 96 adults were divided into 2 groups,
obese (n = 48) and nonobese (n = 48), and they were studied
with the objective of verifying spirometric changes.10 The
results indicated that no significant spirometric changes were
found when comparing obese and nonobese males. In
women, the values of FCV and forced expiratory volume in
1 second (FEV1) were significantly lower in obese individuals
when compared with those in nonobese individuals. For
both genders, a negative correlation existed between
spirometric values and waist circumference. Possible
mechanisms of the effects of obesity on respiratory function
are shown schematically in Figure 1.
Effect on Functional Capacity
Obesity is a chronic disease that can lead to consequences
for functional capacity, with limitations8 on the activities of
basic daily living, such as rising from a chair, walking,19 or
moving an object, as well as on professional tasks.20,21,22 The
limitations occur due to a decline in lung function that leads
to a progressive decline in maximal strength and VO2max, as
well as to a reduction in exercise capacity, resulting in a
negative cycle, with greater declines in lung function.23 That
decrease is commonly related to feelings of dyspnea, which
also ultimately limit the exercise capacity of individuals,
negatively affecting their functional ability.24
In addition, being overweight imposes an abnormal
mechanical force to the movements of the body, which can
compromise joints and increase the risk of musculoskeletal
overload, helping reduce exercise tolerance.8,25
With decreasing resilience and range of motion of major
joints, a reduction in muscle strength occurs, leading obese
individuals to maintain prolonged fixed postures; exacerbating
sedentary activities; and having a direct negative effect on
breathing capacity, work capacity, and quality of life.8,26
A recent study included 36 women with BMI greater
than or equal to 30 kg/m2 and 10 women with normal
weight (ie, a BMI between 18 kg/m2 and 25 kg/m2). In the
Niehues—Pilates for Lung Function and Functional Capacity
Figure 1. Likely mechanism of the effects of obesity on lung function. Adapted with permission from
Dixon and Beaty.18

↑ Intra-abdominal & Stiff Respiratory ↓ Tidal Volume

Pleural Pressures System

↓ FRC

↑ RSR at FRC

Dynamic
↑ Risk of EFL
Hyperinflation?

Airway Closure ↓ Basal Ventilation

During Tidal
Breathing
↓ PO2

↓ Thoracic Volume ↓ TLC ↓ FCV ↓ FEV1

Abbreviations: FRC, functional residual capacity; RSR, respiratory system resistance; EFL, expiratory flow limitation;
PO2, pressure of oxygen; TLC, total lung capacity; FVC, forced vital capacity; FEV1, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec .

Note: ↓, reduction; ↑, increase.

group of obese women, 12 individuals had a BMI greater
than or equal to 30 but less than 35; 14 participants had a
BMI greater than or equal to 35 but less than 40 (severely
obese); and 10 women had a BMI greater than or equal to
40 kg/m2 (morbidly obese). All participants underwent
(1) a clinical examination; (2) a walking test; (3) an
endurance test (6-min walk); (4) a test of the power of the
lower limbs (ie, getting up and down 5 times); and (5) a test
of balance. Obese women had a significantly lower gait
speed (P < .05) and reduced stride length. The results of the
sitting and standing and strength tests were significantly
lower (P < .05) for the obese group. In addition, major
constraints were found for women with morbid obesity.27
Another study has demonstrated the negative effects of
obesity on functional capacity and performance in carrying
out activities. With a sample of 8 obese and 8 nonobese
participants divided into 2 groups, the study sought to verify
the strength of demands required by tasks, such as
handshaking, shoulder flexion, and a task simulating
assembly using the upper limbs. Measures of functional
performance, including resistance, discomfort, motor
control, and task performance were recorded for each of the
task conditions. In the obese group, reduced muscle strength,
increased discomfort, and decreased resistance were
observed, resulting in a decline in the performance of tasks,
particularly with regard to the ability to perform and the
duration it took to complete the work.28
Effects of Physical Exercise
Because of the high incidence of deaths per year due to
the global obesity epidemic, national and international
entities29,30 have emphasized the need for proper
management of obesity, with effective interventions to
prevent and/or minimize comorbidities from the disease.
In that context, interventions have been recommended to
combat a sedentary lifestyle that can assist in bringing
about changes in lifestyle and encourage physical activity in
the population.29 Research has highlighted the benefits of
physical exercise, taking into account different modalities,
and has found (1) significant reductions in body weight,
waist circumference, and BMI31; (2) improvements in 31%
lean mass, VO2max,32 and glycemic regulation; (3) control
of diabetes mellitus33; (4) improvements in lipid profiles,
with decreased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol34;
(5) reductions in atherosclerotic events34; (6) decreases in
cardiovascular events and improvements in hypertension
control35; and (7) improvements in symptoms of depression,
anxiety, and insomnia.36 Compared with individuals of
normal weight, obese individuals have breathing at low
volumes, with high respiratory pressures, increased
workloads, and respiratory muscle weakness that is
associated with limitations on the expiratory flow. Also,
hyperinflation may present at the peak of physical activity,
which may limit regular physical exercise of those
individuals.37

Niehues—Pilates for Lung Function and Functional Capacity ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES, SEP/OCT 2015 VOL. 21 NO. 5 131
Table 1. Exercise on Respiratory Function and Functional Capacity in Obese Adults

Aadlam et al38 Sonehara et al39 Babb et al37
Study Type Longitudinal study Longitudinal study Longitudinal study
Sample N = 21 N = 20 N=9
Average Age (y) 42.6 ± 11.0 y 48.75 ± 13.71 y 37 ± 5 y
Intervention Aerobic training, 5 ×/wk, Stretching exercises, Aerobic training and weathered
lasting 45-60 min for 1 y; strengthening and aerobic, for 12 wk; associated with diet.
associated with diet. 12 wk, 3 ×/wk lasting 60 min.
Evaluated Variables VO2max MV Spirometric data
6MWT CV MV
SVC Oxygen consumption
MaxIP CO2 output
MaxEP AsO2
Ventilatory threshold
IC
EV final
TLC
IV
Respiratory pressures (pleural;
TTP and GAP)
Results
Anthropometric ↓ Body weighta ↓ Body weighta ↓ Body weighta
↓ BMIa ↓ Fat weighta ↓ Body fat with more evidence
↓ Waist circumferencea on abdominal regiona
↓ Fat massa
Volumes, Lung NE ↑ MVa ↑ FRCa
Capacities, and ↑ CVa ↑ FCVa
Respiratory-muscle ↑ SVCa ↑ ERVa
Strength ↑ MaxIPa ↑ EV finala
↑ MaxEPa ↓ Flow limitationa
↓ GAPa
Functional Capacity ↑ VO2maxa NE NE
Time 6MWT

Abbreviations: VO2max, maximal oxygen consumption; 6MWT, 6-min walk test; BMI, body mass index; NE, not evaluated;
MV, minute volume; CV, current volume; SVC, slow vital capacity; MaxIP, maximal inspiratory pressure; MaxEP, maximal
expiratory pressure; AsO2, arterial oxygen saturation; IC, inspiratory capacity; EV final, expiratory volume final; TLC, total
lung capacity; IV, inspiratory lung volume; TPP, transpulmonary pressure; GAP, gastric pressure; FRC, functional residual
capacity; ERV, expiratory reserve volume.

Note: ↓, reduction; ↑, increase.

Significant differences (P > .001).

a

132 ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES, SEP/OCT 2015 VOL. 21 NO. 5 Niehues—Pilates for Lung Function and Functional Capacity
 Only a few studies have been evaluated to date that take
into account the effects of systematic programs of physical
exercise on parameters related to respiratory function and
functional capacity in obese adults (Table 1).
Although limited evidence is available to date, the
authors have noted that performance of physical training
programs can promote improvement in lung volumes and
capacities, with positive changes in respiratory functions in
obese adults37,39 and improved functional abilities.38
PILATES METHOD
The Pilates method is a conditioning program of body
and mind that is gaining popularity and acceptance
worldwide.40 It is characterized by nonrepetitive or strenuous
exercise and is able to suit the needs of each individual.40 The
exercise program incorporates the use of special devices and
equipment with movements that allow, among other benefits,
improvements in flexibility, strength, coordination,41 blood
circulation, fitness, range of motion, and postural
alignment.42,43,44 The method works with low-impact muscle
exercises that are based on isometric exercises of the
abdominal muscles and that generate force without motion
and stabilize the spine.45
The exercises are performed in different positions44-50
and have a low impact on the body’s structures, particularly
on the spine, muscles, joints, and ligaments and particularly
on the sacral lumbar region. Thus, people of any age can
benefit from the method.46-48
The powerhouse or center of force is made up of (1)
the abdominal muscles—the rectus abdominis, internal
and external oblique, and transversus abdominis; (2) the
gluteus; and (3) of the lumbar paraspinal region. It is
responsible for the static and dynamic stabilization of the
body.51-53 The center of force forms a structure that is
responsible for supporting the spine and internal organs;
stabilizing the trunk; and maintaining correct posture,
with lower energy expenditure for movements.54,55 As a
result, the risk of injury is decreased. The center of force
should be in contraction during the execution of all
exercises.56
In search of a complete fitness method, Joseph Pilates
included the breathing mechanism, indicating that the
performance of all exercises should be associated with an
adequate and continuous breathing in rhythm.46,51,52,53,54,55 In
the Pilates method, the respiratory style accentuates costal
breathing, where the ribs ascend and descend during the
respiratory flow, extending laterally and to the posterior. The
transverse muscle must work to prevent abdominal
distension, give greater support to the diaphragm to promote
the movement of the lower ribs, and provide greater
diaphragmatic excursion.44
The expiratory phase is also characterized by contraction
of the transversus abdominis muscles that are associated with
contraction of the multifidus muscles and the pelvic floor.52
In that way, the abdominal muscles are worked intensively
during the exercises.50,56
Niehues—Pilates for Lung Function and Functional Capacity
The emphasis of the Pilates method on controlled
breathing during exercise, which is associated with abdominal
strengthening, can prevent or reverse the functional
reductions resulting from a decline in pulmonary function.23
Respiratory Function and Functional Capacity
Pilates has become a popular exercise method57 that has
gained recognition in the area of rehabilitation for general
orthopedic problems, neurological disorders, and chronic
pain and in the treatment of cancer and cardiovascular disease,
among other benefits. It has great acceptance worldwide and
deserves attention for those benefits.43,46,55,58,59,60,61
Training through the Pilates method promotes an
increase in the recruitment and activation of the abdominal
muscles using the basic Pilates’ principle of centralization,
especially in the concentric phase of the movement.62 Pilates
can be recommended as an effective method of strengthening
the muscles of the abdominal wall and of compensating for
the development of asymmetries.63 Thus, Pilates exercises can
be applied to clinical populations that need to strengthen
those particular muscles as well as increase abdominal
activation to perform functional activities.64
Different clinical studies have sought to evaluate the
activation of the abdominal muscles during performance of
the different exercises of Pilates. In those studies, the
increased activity of the rectus abdominal,62,63,66 transversus
abdominis,63,64,66 internal oblique, and external oblique64,65,66
have been observed​. Those findings are shown in the Table 2.
The abdominal muscles—transverse abdominis, internal
and external oblique, and rectus abdominis—are engaged
primarily in forced expiration in relation to the expiratory
muscles for ventilation. For those particular muscles, the
muscle fibers during forced expiration exert traction on the
ribs and the costal cartilage inferiorly, causing increased
intra-abdominal pressure and displacing the diaphragm
superiorly into the chest cavity to increase the expiration
volume and speed.67
The abdominal muscles also exhibit 2 inspiratory
functions: (1) during forced expiration, the increase of intra-
abdominal pressure performs a passive stretch of the
diaphragm’s costal fibers, preparing it for the next inspiration;
and (2) the increased pressure generated by the descent of
the diaphragm in the inspiration must be countered by the
tension of the abdominal muscles. Thus, without effective
compliance of those muscles, the central tendon of the
diaphragm is not effectively stabilized to perform the lateral
expansion of the chest wall. Therefore, during the increased
work of breathing, an increase in abdominal muscle activity
occurs in both phases of respiration.67
In that way, strengthening the abdominal muscles can
lead to a strengthening of diaphragmatic function. A
randomized, clinical trial with 22 participants, who had
decreased inspiratory and expiratory functions and whose
forced expiratory flow rates were approximately 300 m/L,
attempted to verify that hypothesis.  The participants were
randomly divided into (1) an experimental group with
ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES, SEP/OCT 2015 VOL. 21 NO. 5 133
Table 2. Activity of Abdominal Muscles During Pilates

Endleman and
Barbosa et al62 Dorado et al63 Critchley et al64 Silva et al65 Critchley66
Sample N = 10 N=9 N = 34 N = 10 N = 26
Average Age (y) 21.85 ± 3.34 35.7 ± 5.4 30 ± 7 21.5 ± 0.64 43 ± 14
Intervention Pilates with Pilates for 36 Pilates for 8 wk, Pilates, 3 sets of 8 Pilates for 6 mo at
contractions and 6-sec wk, 2 ×/wk, 2 ×/wk, lasting repetitions; least 1 ×/wk,
interval of 3 min lasting 55 min. 45 min. single assessment. lasting 50 min.
between contractions;
single assessment.
Method of Electromyography Magnetic Ultrasound Electromyography Ultrasound
Assessment resonance
Muscles RA RA IO RA OI
Evaluated BB OA TA EO TA
TA
Results ↑ Recruitment of RA ↑ 8% in the OA ↑ Activity TAa ↑ Recruitment of ↑ Activity TAa
and BBa and TA activitya ↑ Activity IO RA and EOa ↑ Activity OI
↑ 21% in RA
activitya
Muscle
hypertrophy

Abbreviations: RA, rectus abdominis; BB, brachial biceps; OA, oblique abdominals; TA, transversus abdomen; IO, internal
oblique; EO, external oblique.

Note: ↓, reduction; ↑, increase.

Significant differences (P > .001).

a

11 participants, 5 men and 6 women, that involved exercises
to strengthen the deep abdominal muscles; and (2) a control
group of 11 participants, 4 men and 7 women, who had no
particular intervention. The training method was carried out
once per day, 3 days per week, for 1 month. The intervention
group’s FVC showed a 0.18-L increase between pre- and
posttest, and forced expiratory volumes were found to have
increased by 0.15 L between pre- and posttest. The control
group also had an increase between pre- and posttest. The
results of the study showed that strengthening the abdominal
muscles was effective in improving respiratory parameters.68
In another study that included 50 sedentary females
with a mean age of 60 years, the effects of Pilates on
pulmonary function were investigated. The participants were
randomly assigned either to a control group (n = 25) or an
intervention group (n = 25). The control group maintained its
usual activities without participating in any structured
exercise, whereas the intervention group did the Pilates
method for an 8-week period, with supervised progressive
exercise. The program consisted of 3, nonconsecutive,
60-minute sessions per week, which were conducted by a
qualified Pilates instructor. Sessions with Pilates exercises on
the mat, which are associated with breath control, were
performed. Groups underwent spirometry before and after
the intervention.
After training with Pilates, significant improvements
(P < .05) were found in forced expiratory flow at 25% of forced
vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), FEV1, peak
inspiratory flow, and mean forced expiratory flow. No
significant changes were found in the values of FVC. Given
those results, it was observed that physical training programs
using Pilates can improve lung function in older, sedentary
individuals and can thus improve impaired exercise capacity
and physical function and minimize health consequences.23
A study including individuals with chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) compared the ventilatory,
respiratory pattern of diaphragmatic breathing and of the
Pilates’ method of breathing. Fifteen patients with COPD
(COPD group) and 15 healthy patients (healthy group) were
recruited, and they were asked to perform 3 types of
breathing: natural, diaphragmatic, and Pilates. They were
evaluated by respiratory inductive plethysmography.
Parameters regarding time, volume, and thoracoabdominal
coordination were evaluated.
Diaphragmatic breathing promoted an increase in
respiratory volumes and peripheral oxygen saturation, and
respiratory rates decreased in both groups. The Pilates
method of breathing increased respiratory volumes in the
healthy group; no additional benefits for either breathing
pattern were found for the COPD group. Regarding

134 ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES, SEP/OCT 2015 VOL. 21 NO. 5 Niehues—Pilates for Lung Function and Functional Capacity
thoracoabdominal coordination, both groups showed greater
asynchrony during diaphragmatic breathing. Although
changes in volume and time measurements were not found
during Pilates breathing for the COPD group, that pattern of
breathing increased volume in healthy individuals and
increased oxygenation in both groups.69
Another study analyzed the effects of the Pilates method
in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). A clinical trial was
conducted with 19 patients with FC, 7 men and 12 women.
The patients underwent a weekly session of Pilates lasting
60 minutes, for 4 months. The variables studied before and
after intervention were respiratory muscle strength
(ie, maximal inspiratory pressure [MIP]) and maximal
expiratory pressure (MEP), as well as FVC and FEV1. After the
program, a significant increase in MIP was found in male
patients, P = .017, whereas significant increases occurred in
MIP and MEP for female patients, P = .005 and P = .007,
respectively. After the intervention, no significant differences
were found in FVC and FEV1. The results of that study showed
the beneficial effects of application of the Pilates method for
respiratory muscle strength in the studied patients.70
No specific studies exist regarding obese population, but
from the information obtained from studies with other
populations, it can be inferred that the Pilates method is an
instrument that can assist positively in improving respiratory
function in the obese population, consequently leading to
improved functional capacity.
CONCLUSIONS
Obesity is characterized as a serious public health
problem with significant impact worldwide, as represented
by high rates of death. Among the major comorbidities
derived from obesity, changes in respiratory function can be
highlighted. That condition can lead to respiratory muscle
weakness, changes in lung volume and capacity, and disorders
of respiratory mechanics, among other issues. The described
conditions are closely related to a decreased functional
capacity, limitation of daily activities, and reduction in
physical exercise.
Thus, physical exercise is one effective means of therapeutic
intervention for improving respiratory function. In that
context, Pilates is considered to be a method of exercise that
promotes overall physical and mental conditioning, improving
flexibility, strength, and coordination. As a result, it has been
gaining ground and is being popularized.
With the results found in the current literature review,
the authors have observed that Pilates promotes the
strengthening of abdominal muscles. That fact could possibly
be related to improvement of the diaphragmatic function,
which may result in positive outcomes in respiratory
function, and, thereby, lead to improved functional capacity.
However, specific studies with obese people were not found
through the review, justifying the need for future studies.
Niehues—Pilates for Lung Function and Functional Capacity
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