The effect of Pilates exercises on body composition: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this systematic review was to determine how Pilates exercises have impacted body composition (BC) on selected populations. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was performed using the keywords 'Pilates, body composition, systematic review, literature review, overweight, obesity, healthy weight, underweight' and their combination. RESULTS Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and after further quality analyses it was determined that there is currently poor empirical quantitative evidence indicating a positive effect of Pilates exercises on BC. Several methodological flaws were observed in the studies analyzed, including few full-text published studies looking into the effects of Pilates exercises on BC, a lack of true experimental research designs, limited standardization in measurement techniques, insufficient or no control of the nutritional status, and inconsistent instructor qualifications. CONCLUSION Well-designed research is needed to determine how Pilates exercises impact BC on selected populations.