The effect of Pilates on pain during pregnancy and labor: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted to reveal the effect of Pilates on pain during pregnancy and labor. METHODS: The PubMed, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, Ovid, EBSCO, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Library databases, and Google Scholar databases were used to access the articles published in international journals, and the Dergipark, Turkish Clinics, and ULAKBİM databases were scanned to access the articles published in national journals between October 30 and November 30, 2022. The data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4. RESULTS: This study included four articles. According to the meta-analysis results, it was elucidated that Pilates exercise during pregnancy was not statistically effective in reducing pain during pregnancy (Z=0.61, p=0.54), but it was effective in reducing pain intensity during labor (Z=11.20, p<0.00001). CONCLUSION: This study concluded that Pilates exercise was not effective in reducing pain during pregnancy but was effective in reducing labor pain. There is a need for more research on the subject. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NO: CRD42023387512