Ánalise biomecânica e de controle motor do exercício de flexão e extensão do joelho realizado no reformer com diferentes níveis de resistência segundo o método pilates

Abstract

The Pilates method has been widely used in physiotherapy. Despite their growing popularity, its principles are based on empirical observations, without scientific support. A description of motor control and biomechanics of the exercises used in the method would be the starting point for the understanding of kinesiology exercises performed and their prescription for therapeutic purposes. Objective and hypotheses: Describe the strategies kinematics and muscle activation used to perform movements of extension and flexion of the knee against elastic loads, the Reformer apparatus, according to Pilates. Methods: The study included eight sedentary women, right-handed, no history of musculoskeletal injury or neuromuscular disease and no experience with Pilates. The volunteers were instructed to perform a task of extension and flexion of the knee, the Reformer equipment, according to Pilates, with three distinct levels of resistance imposed by the springs. The movements of the hip, knee and ankle were reconstructed using an optical three-dimensional motion analysis (Optotrak 3020) and electromyographic activity of major muscles was recorded using surface electrodes (Delsys Inc.). Results: The task was performed with a predominance of hip and knee in the three conditions of tensile load. The ankle movement was influenced by the displacement of the fife. The increased elastic reduced the peak velocity of the ankle, but didn`t influence peak velocity of hip and knee. The task was performed with a high linear correlation between the joints and segments linked in a chain. Finally, a general increase in EMG with increasing tensile load was observed.