Pilates for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Complaints During Pregnancy

Pilates Exercises for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Complaints During Pregnancy: a Protocol of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial With Economic Evaluation

The goal of this pilot randomized controlled trial with economic evaluation is to evaluate the viability of Pilates in the prevention of musculoskeletal complaints, throughout the entire gestational period, in pregnant women. The main question it aims to answer is if it is feasible to perform exercises during the entire gestational period to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Participants will be assessed primarily for acceptability, suitability, feasibility, and fidelity, and secondarily for the occurrence of musculoskeletal complaint and the number of days from randomization on which this musculoskeletal complaint occurred, type of delivery and costs. Then, participants will be randomized into two groups: the usual care group, which will receive an educational booklet with information about the usual care during pregnancy, and the Pilates group, which will receive the same educational booklet and will participate in a specific Pilates exercise program for the gestational period, twice a week, throughout the pregnancy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• pregnant women of usual risk in the 12th gestational week (gestational age determined by the date of the last menstruation or by the ultrasound examination)
• with medical clearance to practice physical activity

Exclusion Criteria:

• practice of other physical activity during pregnancy
• any medical contraindications, such as diabetes and hypertension