Abstract:

Currently, the practice of Pilates lacks a solid scientific foundation that establishes benefits on psychological health. The main objective of the present work was to analyze whether participants who combine Pilates with otherPhysical Sports Activities (PSA) had higher scores in psychosocial and work variables studied than Pilates adherents, devotees of other PSAs other than Pilates and sedentary participants. The second objective was to check whether years of experience practicing Pilates, in isolation, had a positive influence on the variables studied. Two hundred twelve participants completed the self-efficacy questionnaire (GSE), self-esteem (RSE), situational personality (CPS), optimism (LOT-R), job satisfaction (S10/12) and engagement (UWES) questionnaires with an average age of 41.83 years (SD = 12.41). Adherents of Pilates attended centers specialized in original Pilates techniques. The methodology used was cross-sectional. The highest scores on self-efficacy, emotional stability, self-concept, optimism and satisfaction with the benefits received by the group that combines Pilates with other PSAs are not statistically significant compared to the rest of the groups. However, the weekly minutes of PSA correlate significantly with self-efficacy, self-concept and optimistic tendency. The results of the second objective show significant differences in the self-efficacy and self-concept variables among the most expert Pilates adherents with respect to beginners. In conclusion, no significant differences were detected between the analyzed groups, but a continued and regular practice of Pilates over time (more than 5 years), may provide interesting psychological benefits

Keywords: Exercise; Pilates Method; Self-Efficacy; Occupational Health; Psychosocial Health