Impact of Pilates Training on Lower Limb Joint Muscle Strength in Unilateral Transtibial Amputees: a single-cohort pre-post-intervention study
Tavares, J.M.A. Cutisque, L.P. Rodacki, A.L.F.
Tavares, J.M.A.
Cutisque, L.P.
Rodacki, A.L.F.
Publication Date
2025-08
End of Embargo
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Rights
(c) 2025 The Authors. This is an Open Access article distributed under the Creative Commons CC-BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
openAccess
Accepted for publication
2025-05-05
Institution
Department
Awarded
Embargo end date
Additional title
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.
Version
Published version
Citation
Tavares JMA, Cutisque LP, Buckley JG et al (2025) Impact of Pilates Training on Lower Limb Joint Muscle Strength in Unilateral Transtibial Amputees: a single-cohort pre-post-intervention study. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. (60): 102000.
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Type
Article