Efeitos do método pilates na dor, capacidade funcional, qualidade de vida e função física de pessoas com condições reumáticas: uma revisão sistemática com metanálise

Abstract

Introduction: rheumatic conditions are a group of diseases that can cause inflammation, joint alterations, and pain in surrounding structures. The Pilates method has been used as a tool in the rehabilitation of these patients. Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of the Pilates method in individuals with rheumatic conditions. Methods: this study is a systematic review guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Searches were conducted in the following databases: PUBMED/Medline, CENTRAL, PEDro, Embase, and CINAHL. Only randomized controlled trials were included, comparing the Pilates method to other types of exercise, conventional physical therapy, minimal intervention, or no intervention in individuals with rheumatic conditions. The outcomes assessed were: pain, quality of life, disability, and physical function. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated according to the GRADE approach. For each outcome, treatment effects were estimated using random-effects meta-analyses for continuous variables, measured by standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: a total of 22 studies (n = 909) were included. Among these, 59% showed good methodological quality. Pilates method reduced pain (6 trials; 303 participants; SMD -0.85; 95% CI -1.61 to -0.10) and improved disability (10 trials; 413 participants; SMD -0.70; 95% CI -1.12 to -0.28) compared to other active therapies immediately post-intervention. Similar results were observed when compared to no intervention. No differences were found for quality of life or physical function outcomes. Conclusion: The Pilates method may help reduce pain and improve disability in individuals with rheumatic conditions when compared to other active interventions or no intervention. However, the certainty of the evidence supporting these findings is very low for pain intensity and moderate for disability. Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42024565648).