Akiira Research Notes
The Science of Movement
A curated selection of research exploring how Pilates and intentional movement may support strength, posture, balance, cognitive function and wellbeing.
Grounded in curiosity and led by intention, this is where evidence meets intuition. Movement, considered as thoughtfully as it’s practiced.
01 Research Note
Wellbeing
Movement beyond the physical
A systematic review of 32 trials found that Pilates-based exercise was associated with positive effects across several measures of psychological wellbeing and quality of life.
Tsartsapakis, Zafeiroudi & Kouthouris · 2026 · Sports
Read the study02 Research Note
Posture
Movement that supports alignment
A systematic review found evidence that Pilates may support improvements in several aspects of body posture, including measures involving the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.
Li et al. · 2024 · Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation
Read the study03 Research Note
Balance
Strength you can feel in everyday movement
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials found that Pilates training improved measures of static and dynamic balance in older adults.
Sampaio et al. · 2023 · Healthcare
Read the studyMovement is not only how we train, but how we experience the body we move through life in.
04 Research Note
Mind + Movement
Where movement meets focus
In a randomized study of sedentary women, a Reformer Pilates intervention was associated with improvements in certain cognitive-function measures.
Özeren et al. · 2024 · Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Read the study05 Research Note
Function
Move with greater ease
A meta-analysis of 19 randomized trials found that Pilates may help reduce pain and improve functional disability in people with chronic low back pain.
Yu et al. · 2023 · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Read the study