SynthesisSystematic reviews2026
Metabolic intensity and energy cost of Pilates exercises: an exploratory systematic review and meta-analysis of limited and heterogeneous evidence.
Synthesis in Systematic reviews, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND
objectivesAlthough Pilates exercises are widely practiced worldwide, the available evidence regarding their metabolic intensity and energy cost remains limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to explore the metabolic equivalent (MET) and energy cost of Pilates exercises. As a secondary objective, we examined other measures commonly used in professional practice to monitor exercise intensity, such as heart rate and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE).
methodsA systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and CINAHL (May 2024). The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Rosendal scale. For the meta-analysis, weighted averages were calculated for the following outcomes: METs, energy cost (kcal·min⁻
resultsSix studies met the inclusion criteria. Very low- to low-certainty evidence suggests that a typical Pilates session elicits, on average, 3.7 (95% CI: 3.1-4.3) METs, 3.8 (95% CI: 3.1-4.5) kcal·min⁻
conclusionWithin the limits of the current and highly heterogeneous evidence base, Pilates appears to elicit light-to-moderate metabolic intensity. These conclusions are exploratory, and the estimates require confirmation through future well-controlled primary studies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: Prospero registration number: CRD42022370937.
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