Sagittal alignment of the spine and hamstring extensibility with Pilates in adolescents: Protocol for randomized controlled trial

Abstract Introduction Several studies have shown that a sagittal spine curvature outside the normal range could decrease functional capacity and perceived quality of life. The Pilates Method (PM) has been attributed to improved posture. The aim of this study will be to investigate the effectiveness of a 9-month PM program on sagittal spinal curvatures and hamstring extensibility in adolescents. Methods This is a protocol for a single blind randomized controlled trial. The experimental group will take part in a PM program implemented over 9 months, 2 sessions/week (15 minutes/session). The control group will not receive any structured exercise program but they will attend their usual physical education sessions. A blinded examiner will evaluate sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt with the Spinal Mouse System® (Idiag, Fehraltdorf, Switzerland) in relaxed standing and active alignment of spinal curvatures in standing and toe-touch test positions; and hamstring extensibility by passive and active straight leg raise (P-SLR and A-SLR, respectively) and toe-touch tests. In addition, back pain, quality of life, body mass index, waist-hip ratio and level of physical activity will be assessed. Discussion The results derived from this research will increase the knowledge on the effectiveness of the Pilates method for improving sagittal spinal curvatures and hamstring extensibility of adolescents, and could provide the students with a tool that they could benefit from at school.