Effects of an 8-week prenatal pilates program on spatiotemporal gait parameters, postural alignment and pain: A dual-center randomized controlled trial

≥ 0.14) were observed for stride length, stance phase, swing phase, double-support phase, pelvic tilt, pelvic obliquity, pain, and postural alignment. Gait was preserved in the Pilates group, whereas controls deteriorated (all p < 0.05). At week 8, the Pilates group showed more favorable outcomes in stride length (Δ = 0.14 m), stance phase (Δ = -6.22%), pelvic tilt (Δ = 24.54°), and pain (Δ = -2.43 cm). Postural alignment declined in controls but was preserved in Pilates (Δ = 15.13; p = 0.006).ConclusionsAn 8-week supervised prenatal Pilates program may help preserve gait, support postural alignment, and reduce pain during mid-pregnancy. Prenatal Pilates may be a feasible non-pharmacological option in prenatal musculoskeletal care.