Objectives: To quantify and determine the effects of Pilates on core endurance, hamstring flexibility, balance, body composition/mass and perceived stress level in healthy college age females.
Study Design: Randomized controlled trial design.
Background: Emerging research on the Pilates technique is inconclusive regarding benefits to core endurance, flexibility, balance, body mass, and perceived stress.
Methods and Measures: Female college students (n=57; 18-35 years old) were randomly assigned to a Pilates group, who exercised at home with a DVD, or a control group who did not engage in Pilates practice. Core endurance, hamstring flexibility, balance, body composition and stress measurements were taken at baseline and at 10 weeks.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference between groups for multidirectional standing reach test results, specifically reaching to the right and right hamstring flexibility.
Conclusion: Pilates practice resulted in gains in balance and hamstring flexibility among college-aged females. Limitations in this study including the unknown level of activity of the control group warrant further investigation. Additional research is needed to determine if Pilates has a significant effect on core endurance, body composition and perceived stress level.
- women,
- exercise,
- stress,
- fitness
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/betsy_donahoe-fillmore/3/
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Citation information: Betsy Donahoe-Fillmore, Mary Insana Fisher, and C. Jayne Brahler. “The Effects of Home-Based Pilates in Healthy College-Aged Women.” Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy 39(2), May/August 2015. Pp. 83-94. DOI: 10.1097/JWH.0000000000000031