| Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify if Pilates training increased lower extremity functional ability in Division II football players.;Findings. The LEFT times (F(1,14) = .431, P = .001) and SST times (F(1,14) = .499, P = .020) for the Pilates group indicate an increase in agility and a combination of agility and functional ability. There was no significant difference found in height jumped in a vertical jump test from pre to posttest (F(1,14) = .952, P > .05); however, there was a significant difference between the control group and Pilates group (F(1,14) = 12.741, P = .003). This indicated that Pilates training does not affect functional ability alone. While core strength, as measured by the straight leg lowering test, did not significantly increase in either group, there was an increase of 9.34° degrees of hip angle in the Pilates group compared to the control group, indicating some increase in core strength.;Conclusions. The Pilates training group improved in agility and functional ability, both important components of lower extremity function. Pilates training can be beneficial for football linemen to increase agility and the ability to move horizontally. Despite a lack of significant evidence in this study regarding core strength, Pilates exercises were shown to influence the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex, thereby leading to an increase in strength and stability. Proper stability allows for more efficient and agile movement of the entire body. (Abstract shortened by UMI.). |
