title: Pilates: what is it? Should it be used in rehabilitation?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The interest and popularity of Pilates is increasing worldwide. In addition to being used in fitness programs, it is being used in some rehabilitation programs.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review summarizes level III evidence from 1995 to 2009 obtained from PubMed (MEDLINE), CINAHL, and the Internet. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals were retrieved for appraisal. The keywords searched were Pilates and core stabilization.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ninety articles were identified in MEDLINE and CINAHL; 9 articles satisfied the inclusion criteria for level III evidence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a scientific basis for the effectiveness of Pilates exercise, with limited evidence to support it as a rehabilitative intervention.
authors.affiliation: West Side Physical Therapy, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Christine E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Di Lorenzo