Pilates training improves 5-km run performance by changing metabolic cost and muscle activity in trained runners

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 13; no. 3; p. e0194057
• Main Authors: Finatto, Paula, Silva, Edson Soares Da, Okamura, Alexandre B, Almada, Bruna P, Oliveira, Henrique B, Peyré-Tartaruga, Leonardo A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 21-03-2018; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Abdomen; Adaptation; Biology and Life Sciences; Biomechanics; Consumption; Electromyography; Engineering and Technology; Exercise; Health aspects; Laboratories; Long distance running races; Medicine and Health Sciences; Metabolism; Muscle function; Muscles; Physical fitness; Physical training; Physiological aspects; Pilates; Posture; Principles; R&D; Research & development; Research and Analysis Methods; Runners (Sports); Running; Sports training; Strength; Strength training; Strengthening exercises; Training; Trunk muscles; Brazil; Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194057

Strength training improves distance running economy and performance. This finding is based predominantly on maximal and explosive strength programmes applied to locomotor muscles, particularly on the lower limbs. It is not certain whether a minimization of metabolic cost (Cmet) and an improvement in running performance is feasible with strength training of the postural and trunk muscles.
Using kinematic, neuromuscular and metabolic measurements of running at two different speeds before and after a 12-week Pilates training programme, we tested the hypothesis that core training might improve the running Cmet and performance of trained runners. Thirty-two individuals were randomly assigned to the control group (CG, n = 16) or the Pilates group (PG, n = 16).
Confirming our hypothesis, a significant improvement (p<0.05) was observed for running performance in the PG (pre: 25.65±0.4 min; post: 23.23±0.4 min) compared to the CG (pre: 25.33±0.58 min; post: 24.61±0.52 min). Similarly, the PG (4.33±0.07 J.kg-1.m-1) had better responses than the CG (4.71±0.11 J.kg-1.m-1) during post-training for Cmet. These findings were accompanied by decreased electromyographic activity of the postural muscles at submaximal running intensities in the PG.
Overall, these results provide a rationale for selecting strength training strategies that target adaptations on specific postural and locomotor muscles for trained distance runners.