Pilates Exercise to Improve Lower Limb Strength and Abdominal Endurance in the Workplace

IntroductionLow muscle strength has been shown to be associated with poor cardiorespiratory functions and an increased risk of falling (Barbat-Artigas et al., 2010; MacGilchrist et al., 2010). Levinger et al. (2009) also described low muscle strength may also be associated with an unfavorable metabolic risk profile, which may affect exercise capacity, and the capacity to perform activities of daily living and quality of life. In recent years, work-related cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have gained growing attention in Taiwan and its neighboring countries, such as Japan and Korea where long working hours and high stress at work are commonplace (Cheng, Park, Kim, & Kawakami, 2012). Office workers work in a sitting position without moving for long periods of time; they only use a few specific muscles of their arms, wrists and hands; and they tend to adopt poor body posture (Macedo, Trindade, Brito, & Socorro Dantas, 2010). These working patterns generate musculoskeletal disorders and can lead to discomfort or pain (Macedo et al., 2010) which can have an impact on quality of life (van der Roer, Ostelo, Bekkering, van Tulder, & de Vet, 2006). Moreover, physical inactivity is thought to make office workers prone to physical deconditioning, which is characterised by lower physical capacity and reduced muscle strength (Bousema, Verbunt, Seelen, Vlaeyen, & Knottnerus, 2007). Regular exercise can improve physical fitness, but exercise that is too intense or strenuous runs the risk of causing injuries (Finch & Cassell, 2006). Pilates is a mind/body exercise that requires core stability, strength, flexibility, and attention to muscle control, posture, and breathing (Latey, 2002). Pilates exercise is performed solo in one's own space, so there is no risk of collision or other contact with others. The risk of injury to the musculoskeletal system is therefore minimized, making Pilates a relatively safe form of exercise (Latey, 2002; Wells, Kolt, & Bialocerkowski, 2012). In most of the literature discussing the relationship between the Pilates exercise and adult physical fitness, the studies in question were conducted primarily in foreing countries (Bird et al., 2012; Donahoe-Fillmore et al., 2007; Otto et al.,2004; Rogers & Gilbson, 2009; Sekendiz et al., 2007); the duration of the interventions ranged from 4 to 12 weeks (Donahoe-Fillmore et al., 2007; Rogers & Gilbson, 2009; Sekendiz et al., 2007) and the sample size of around 30 participants (Otto et al.,2004). Studies were primarily focused on effects of the Pilates exercise on body composition, trunk flexibility and posture stability (Donahoe-Fillmore et al., 2007; Otto et al., 2004; Wells et al., 2012). A combination of strength and endurance training in elderly populations has been postulated as the most effective strategy for improving neuromuscular and cardiorespiratory functions, to maintain functional capacity, and to promote health (Cadore et al., 2011; Holviala et al., 2010). The workplace has become a key target for health promotion programmes aimed at increasing physical activity and preventing chronic disease (WHO, 2002a,b; WHO & World Economic Forum, 2008). Many workplace health promotion programs have aimed at reducing cardiovascular diseases and musculoskeletal pain (Camethon et al., 2009; Lloyd-Jones et al., 2010). However, very few studies were conducted in Asia, especially in Taiwan (Huang, Lin, Yen, Kan, & Chen, 2013). Because there has been very little study on this important subject in Taiwan, this current study investigates the effects of the Polestar Pilates(TM) technique (Polestar Pilates Education, 2007) on office worker lower limb muscle strength, and abdominal muscle endurance.MethodsDesign and ParticipantsThis current study adopted the quasi-experimental design, and participants were divided into two groups (experimental group and control group). Pre-test were given to all participants on the day of acceptance, and Post-test were given at the end of a 12 week period. …