Pilates findings for knee osteoarthritis depended on the comparison
A review found improvements against blank controls, but no statistically significant advantage over other exercises. Evidence certainty and safety reporting were limited.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Pilates was associated with better knee symptom and function scores than blank controls, but comparisons with other exercises found no statistically significant differences in pain, function or knee movement. Those findings do not establish equivalence between exercises. Weak evidence and limited monitoring of adverse events leave both the benefits and safety uncertain.
Evidence certainty was very low for pain and WOMAC scores and low for knee movement. The review also identified possible publication bias, and limited active monitoring prevents a firm safety conclusion.
What researchers found
WOMAC knee symptom and function scores
Pilates versus blank controls; assessment timing was not reported. This standardized mean difference describes score differences, not a percentage improvement.
The comparator changes the question
A favorable comparison with blank controls does not answer whether Pilates offers an advantage over another exercise program. The review examined both questions, and the comparisons with other exercises did not show statistically significant advantages.
Safety remained unresolved
Although the included studies reported no adverse events, active monitoring was limited. That distinction matters: an absence of reported problems cannot establish safety when the studies may not have consistently looked for them.
The original publication
The efficacy and safety of pilates exercise in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Zhang K, Li Y, Zhao F et al.
Ann Med · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40781878
- Record checked
AI-assisted research and writing. This explains one selected publication; it is not a complete review of everything known. Our approach.
One more question, understood.
Keep track of the research you’ve explored.