Custo energético e intensidade metabólica dos exercícios de pilates: uma revisão sistemática com metanálise

Abstract

Introduction: Correctly classifying the energy cost of different physical activities helps professionals when prescribing them, aiming, for example, to reduce body fat, improve cardiorespiratory fitness and meet public health guidelines. Although Pilates exercises have become increasingly popular, little is known about the energy cost and metabolic intensity of this activity. Objective: To verify the energy cost and metabolic intensity of Pilates exercises with the effect of potential moderators. Methods: A systematic search was performed in: PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus and CINAHL (on May 9, 2024). The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Rosendal scale. For meta-analysis, the weighted average between the studies was used for: metabolic equivalent (MET), energy cost (kcal/min), VO2 (ml/kg/min), percentage of maximum heart rate (%HRmax) and subjective perception of exertion (RPE) (Borg 6-20). The certainty of the evidence was analyzed by the GRADE system. Results: After screening, six studies met the inclusion criteria (237 participants). Two studies had a high risk of bias. Very low to low-certainty evidence showed that a Pilates session provides on average: 3.8 (95% CI 3.2–4.5) METs; 3.8 (95% CI 3.1–4.4) kcal/min; VO2 10.5 (95% CI 8.1–12.8) ml/kg/min; %HRmax of 55.0 (95% CI 52.8–57.3); and RPE of 10.6 (95% CI 9.3–12.0). The main moderator identified was the interval between sets and exercises, which significantly decreased the observed effects when >60 seconds. Conclusion: In general, Pilates exercises offer an energy cost that can be classified as moderate intensity. However, it is important that the interval between sets and exercises does not exceed 60 seconds. Two weekly sessions of 60 minutes each may be sufficient to initially meet public health guidelines. Due to the low certainty of the evidence, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.