Does pilates training change physical fitness in young basketball athletes?

Abstract

This study determined the effects of a 6-wk Pilates training program on body composition and physical fitness in young basketball athletes. Fifteen male athletes were randomly allocated to two groups: a Pilates training group (PG; n = 8) and a control group (CG; n = 7). The PG performed a Pilates training program that consisted of 7 exercises of 2 to 3 sets with 15 to 20 repetitions each with a 45-sec rest interval twice a week for 6 wks (in addition to basketball team training). The CG performed only the basketball team training. Before and after the 6-wk intervention, the subjects' body composition, flexibility, agility, anaerobic power and endurance, and lower limb power were determined. The results showed no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) between the PG and the CG. The findings indicate that 6 wks of Pilates training program was not sufficient to change physical fitness and body composition in young basketball athletes.