Comparison of muscle strength and flexibility between Pilates and bodybuilding

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In recent years, it has increased the number of studies concerned with investigating the relationship between the dysfunction of transverse abdominal muscle and the history of lower back pain, as well as the deficiency in flexibility. OBJECTIVE: to compare the muscular strength of the transverse abdomen and flexibility of Pilates and and bodybuilding. METHOD: The study included 20 female volunteers divided into 2 10 voluntary groups, with at least 6 months of activity in Pilates or bodybuilding. Muscle strength abdomen transversus was evaluated by modified sphygmomanometer test (TEM) and flexibility the sit-reach test (TSA). We used descriptive statistical analysis to the data collected, and the amounts are expressed as mean and standard deviation as well as applicability of test T student (p <0.05). RESULTS: It was found significant values of (p<0.05) being superior to muscle strength Pilates group of the transversus abdominis when compared to the bodybuilding. However, for the flexibility test, it was not found statistically significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: It was observed that the Pilates practitioners obtained a better performance the abdomen transversus muscle and flexibility compared to the bodybuilding. The strengthening of the transverse abdominal muscle and flexibility becomes a corrective and preventive measure to reduce and prevent pains and back injuries.