INTRODUCTION: Humbertus Joseph Pilates created a series of exercises based on the progressive movements that the body is able to perform, which involve isotonic contractions and mainly isometric, in what he called power house (or center of force). OBJECTIVES: This study aims at analyzing the aspects related to the central importance of stabilizing in the Pilates method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review in the central and virtual library of Pontifical Catholic University of Parana, and also through the research website BIREME, by accessing the following databases: LILACS, PUB MED, CAPES, MEDLINE and LILACS. The research covered books, magazines and journals published between 2000 and 2010, and the descriptors used for the search were Pilates and core. RESULTS: The central stabilization helps the individual to gain strength, neuromuscular control, power and muscular endurance, which facilitates a balanced muscle function. CONCLUSION: Although we need a greater number of references, one can verify that the Pilates core stabilization is important for the proper load balance within the spine, pelvis.
Physiotherapy; Central stabilization; Core; Pilates