BACKGROUND: Interventions using Pilates and whole body vibration (WBV) have been conducted in postmenopausal women, aimed at increasing muscular strength and quality of life; however, some results are contradictory. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of Pilates versus WBV on isokinetic muscle strength and quality of life in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Fifty-one (51) women were randomly assigned to the following groups, Pilates (n = 17), vibration (n = 17), or control (n = 17). Evaluations were performed for isokinetic muscular strength (Nm) of knee extensors and flexors (60 degrees/s and 180 degrees/s) and quality of life using the SF-36. The interventions were performed three times a week for six months, totaling 78 sessions. Analyzes for the primary outcomes were performed with intention-to-treat and covariance analyses adjusted for baseline outcomes. RESULTS: 96.1% of participants completed the follow-up. The Pilates was superior (p < 0.05) to WBV for muscle strength of the knee flexors at 60 degrees/s (% change 16.71 +/- 20.68 versus 6.18 +/- 19.42; Cohen's d = 0.70) and superior (p < 0.05) to the control group in all muscular strength variables and in four SF-36 domains. CONCLUSIONS: Pilates is an alternative intervention superior to WBV when the goal is linked to the strength of the knee flexor muscles.

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