Investigation of the effects of clinical Pilates exercises on physical fitness and psychosocial parameters in healthy women

Abstract

fitness, psychosocial status, and exercise beliefs in healthy women. Methods: Thirty-eight healthy women (mean age=29.95±7.16 years) were divided into two groups: supervised group (N=19) and home-based group (N=19). Physical fitness was assessed with modified push-up, sit-up, sit to stand, anterior plank, lateral plank, Biering-Sorensen, trunk flexors endurance, timed up and go and 6-min walking tests. Body composition was assessed with body mass index and waist to hip ratio. Psychosocial status was assessed with Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Body Image Scale and Exercise Beliefs Questionnaire. Both groups completed a 24- session exercise program for 8 weeks, 3 days a week. Results: After the program, a significant improvement was seen in the modified push-up, sit-up, sit to stand, anterior plank, lateral plank, Biering-Sorensen, trunk flexors endurance tests with SAAS, RSES and Exercise Beliefs Questionnaire scores in the supervised group (p<0.05). In the home-based group, significant improvement was achieved in the modified push-up, situp, anterior plank, trunk flexors endurance tests with Exercise Beliefs Questionnaire scores (p<0.05). Comparing delta values, it was observed that there was a significant difference in the sit to stand and anterior plank tests with the Exercise Beliefs Questionnaire scores in favor of the supervised group (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was seen that clinical Pilates exercises, both supervised and home-based, similarly increased endurance and muscle strength, as well as positively affected participants’ perspectives on exercise in healthy women. In addition, clinical Pilates exercises performed under supervision made a difference in both lower extremity strength evaluated by sit to stand test and endurance results evaluated by anterior plank test.