Pilates is a mind-body exercise program gaining in popularity and acceptance by health and physical activity professionals, but there is a scarcity of scientific research. The aim of this study was to evaluate functional strength capacity between three groups: regular exercisers of Pilates Method, regular fitness class participants, and a non-exercisers group (regular exercise=at least 2days per week for three consecutive months).

The total sample comprised 54 subjects, 14,5% men (n=8) and 85,5% women (n=47). The mean age of the sample was 41,11 (SD=7.75) years. All volunteers completed the Strength Functional Capacity battery.

There were significant differences in squat test (F[2,51]=4.67, P<.05) and back endurance test (F[2,52]=4.54, P<.05) among the three groups. Post-hoc analyses showed that Pilates Method participants scored higher vs non-exercisers in Squat test (Pilates [M=41.67; SD=9.52] vs non-exercisers [M=30.65; SD=14.24]) and back endurance test (Pilates [M=158.52; SD=56.92] vs non-exercisers [M=115.04; SD=34.58]).

Pilates Method is associated with good scores in the functional strength capacity battery.