PhD

Introduction: Pilates have been shown to lower the risk of falls. Also, the intensity of low back pain (LBP) may affect the postural control. Objective: To determine the impact of antenatal Pilates on postural control of the pregnant females and whether it is affected by the severity of LBP. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial. The participants (18-35 years) were randomly allocated into two groups (31 in each group: Intervention group and Control group). The sway velocity of the centre of pressure was determined. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was utilised to evaluate the severity of low back pain. Results: A 2x2 mixed ANOVA showed significant results for average velocity of centre of pressure measured during eyes closed on hard surface (F= 8.743, ηp2 = 0.160, p = 0.005), eyes open on foam surface (F= 9.877, ηp2 = 0.177, p = 0.003) and eyes closed on foam surface (F= 19.937, ηp2 = 0.302, p = 0.001) The posttest VAS scores weakly to moderately correlated with the average velocity of postural sway during the third trimester. Discussion: The static posture control of a pregnant lady is expected to deteriorate from second to third trimester. Pilates exercises enhances proprioceptive feedback and postural control by specifically targeting the core and pelvic floor muscles. Conclusion: Pilates help pregnant women retain postural stability. This impact was greatest when the participants were tested on an unsteady surface without visual input. During third trimester, LBP severity and postural sway are weakly to moderately correlated.