EFFECT OF PILATES TRAINING ON MUSCLE FATIGUE USING SURFACE ELECTROMYOGRAPHY IN SPRINTERS- A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL

This randomized controlled trial investigates the effect of a 5-week structured Pilates training program on lower limb muscle fatigue and sprint performance in collegiate sprinters, using surface electromyography (sEMG) for assessment. With 26 participants divided into experimental (Pilates + conventional training) and control (conventional training only) groups, the study measures changes in muscle fatigue (via mean and median sEMG frequencies), 20m sprint performance, and sprint fatigue index. Pilates, known for enhancing strength, flexibility, and core stability, is hypothesized to reduce muscle fatigue and improve performance. The study aims to address the gap in current literature regarding Pilates’ role in sprint conditioning and may offer insights into its integration for improving athletic performance, recovery, and injury prevention.

The intervention involved a 5-week Pilates training program conducted twice a week for the experimental group, alongside conventional warm-up and cool-down exercises. The exercises progressed over time, starting with basic Pilates movements such as standing footwork, hundreds, articulating bridge, rolling like a ball, and plank variations in the first three weeks. In weeks 4 and 5, advanced variations of the same exercises were introduced, such as leg extensions during bridge and plank holds, and enhanced balance positions. Each session included 3 sets of 8–10 repetitions per exercise, with 30–60 seconds of rest between sets and exercises. The control group performed only conventional exercises, including jogging, dynamic stretching, resistance band drills, and basic strength and mobility exercises, without Pilates.