Pilates Method as a Biopsychosocial Intervention in the Modern Workplace: A Systematic Review of Physical, Mental, and Occupational Benefits

Background/Objectives: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and occupational stress substantially affect workforce health and productivity. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence regarding the effectiveness of the Pilates method as a biopsychosocial intervention for employees, examining its impact on physical, psychological, and occupational outcomes. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across major electronic databases and search engines (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, and Google Scholar) following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The review protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261390771). Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, and observational designs involving employees participating in Pilates programs. Outcomes were categorized into three domains: physical health, mental well-being, and occupational performance. Results: Twenty-three studies (n = 1179 participants) met the inclusion criteria. The evidence indicates that Pilates may reduce pain intensity and disability in workers with chronic low back or neck pain, with moderate certainty based on randomized controlled trials. Improvements in psychological outcomes, including anxiety and job-related stress, were also reported, although the certainty of evidence was lower. Occupational benefits included enhanced job satisfaction and, in limited cases, favorable cost-utility findings. Conclusions: Pilates appears to be a feasible multidimensional intervention for workplace health, with potential benefits across physical and psychosocial domains. Further high-quality trials are needed to clarify long-term effects, economic impact, and optimal implementation strategies within occupational settings.

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Publication Details

Journal
Healthcare
Published
2026-06-25
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14131852
Primary Topic
Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation
Type
article
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article

Pilates Method as a Biopsychosocial Intervention in the Modern Workplace: A Systematic Review of Physical, Mental, and Occupational Benefits

Aglaia Zafeiroudi, Ioannis Trigonis, Gerasimos V. Grivas, Olga Kouli et al.
Healthcare
Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation
article

Pilates Method as a Biopsychosocial Intervention in the Modern Workplace: A Systematic Review of Physical, Mental, and Occupational Benefits

Aglaia Zafeiroudi, Ioannis Trigonis, Gerasimos V. Grivas, Olga Kouli, Ioannis Tsartsapakis, Konstantinos Karakatsanis, Gerou Maria
article en

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and occupational stress substantially affect workforce health and productivity. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence regarding the effectiveness of the Pilates method as a biopsychosocial intervention for employees, examining its impact on physical, psychological, and occupational outcomes. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across major electronic databases and search engines (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, and Google Scholar) following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The review protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261390771). Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, and observational designs involving employees participating in Pilates programs. Outcomes were categorized into three domains: physical health, mental well-being, and occupational performance. Results: Twenty-three studies (n = 1179 participants) met the inclusion criteria. The evidence indicates that Pilates may reduce pain intensity and disability in workers with chronic low back or neck pain, with moderate certainty based on randomized controlled trials. Improvements in psychological outcomes, including anxiety and job-related stress, were also reported, although the certainty of evidence was lower. Occupational benefits included enhanced job satisfaction and, in limited cases, favorable cost-utility findings. Conclusions: Pilates appears to be a feasible multidimensional intervention for workplace health, with potential benefits across physical and psychosocial domains. Further high-quality trials are needed to clarify long-term effects, economic impact, and optimal implementation strategies within occupational settings.

HealthcareVol. 14(13)
University of Thessaly (GR), Democritus University of Thrace (GR), Hellenic Naval Academy (GR), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (GR)
Decent work and economic growth
Openalex Percentile: Top 9%
Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation
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