Core Stability, Healthy Life Style, Pilates, Pilates, Core Stability, Postural Balance
Conditions
Keywords
Pilates, Flexibility, Trunk Muscle Endurance, Women's Health, Sedentary Behavior, Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU), Y-Balance Test, McGill Battery
Brief summary
This study aims to compare core muscle stability, postural balance, and flexibility between healthy women who regularly practice Pilates and those with a sedentary lifestyle. The researcher will evaluate if long-term Pilates practice (5 months or more) leads to significant improvements in physical performance compared to a lack of regular exercise. Assessment tools include the Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) for core activation, the McGill battery for endurance, the Y-Balance test for dynamic stability, and the Sit-and-Reach test for flexibility.
Detailed description
This cross-sectional comparative study involves 55 healthy female participants divided into two groups: a Pilates group (minimum 5 months of practice, twice weekly) and a sedentary control group (less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week). To ensure objectivity and high-quality data, an "Assessor Blinding" protocol will be implemented, where the investigator performing physical measurements remains unaware of the participants' group allocation. Primary outcomes include: 1. Deep muscle stabilization measured via a Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) in a prone position. 2. Core endurance assessed using the McGill Core Endurance Battery (Flexor, Extensor, and Side Bridge tests). 3. Dynamic postural balance evaluated through the Y-Balance Test (YBT) in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. 4. Static balance measured by the Single Leg Stance Test (SLST) with eyes open and closed. 5. Hamstring and lower back flexibility assessed by the Sit and Reach Test. Statistical analysis will be performed using IBM SPSS version 26.0 to compare the outcomes between the two groups.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Istinye University
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
20 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1. Healthy female volunteers aged 20-45. 2. For the Pilates group: having practiced mat Pilates, reformer Pilates, or any equipment-based Pilates discipline for at least 6 months; attending regular 60-minute sessions at least twice a week with a certified instructor. 3. For the control group: having a sedentary lifestyle (weekly moderate physical activity time less than 150 minutes). 4. Objectively demonstrating sedentary status using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); only participants in the "low physical activity" category will be included in the control group. 5. Having full cognitive ability to understand, follow, and execute all physical assessment instructions. 6. Willingness to voluntarily sign the informed consent form prior to the study.
Exclusion criteria
1. History of any surgery involving the spine, pelvis, or lower extremities within the last 12 months prior to the study. 2. Currently pregnant or less than 6 months postpartum. 3. Diagnosed vestibular disorders or chronic clinical balance disorders. 4. History of neurological disease (MS, Parkinson's, etc.) or systemic metabolic disorder (diabetes, etc.). 5. Having a pain intensity greater than 2/10 on the visual analog scale (VAS) in the lower back or lower extremities. 6. Professional sports history or participation in other exercise programs exceeding 3 hours per week (excluding Pilates for the Pilates group). 7. Acute musculoskeletal injuries or acute illnesses that may affect energy levels on the day of evaluation. 8. Concurrent participation in other intensive core strengthening programs such as "advanced yoga" that may affect results.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Muscle Stabilization Pressure Biofeedback Device - PBU | At the single assessment session (Day 1) | Measurement of the transversus abdominis muscle activation using a Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU).isolation is confirmed by a drop in pressure of 4-10 mmHg from a 70 mmHg baseline, sustained for 10 seconds in prone position. |
| Core Muscle Endurance | At the single assessment session (Day 1) | Measured using the McGill Core Endurance Battery, including the Trunk Flexor, Trunk Extensor, and Side Bridge tests. Results are recorded as the duration (in seconds) the position is maintained. |
| Dynamic Postural Balance Y-Balance Test (YBT) | At the single assessment session (Day 1) | Assessed using the Y-Balance Test (YBT). The maximum reach distance in three directions (Anterior, Posteromedial, and Posterolateral) will be recorded in centimeters |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Static Postural Balance Test or Single Leg Standing Test (SLST) | At the single assessment session (Day 1) | The participant should stand on their dominant leg with their hands on their hips. Conditions: The test is performed under two conditions: Eyes open and eyes closed. Measurement: The time it takes to maintain this balance without putting the foot down or moving it is measured in seconds. |
| Lower Back and Hamstring Flexibility | At the single assessment session (Day 1) | ssessed using the Sit and Reach Test. The reach distance is measured in centimeters using a standard test box |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
CONTACTWALA Abbas Mohammed TAHA, PT specialist
STUDY_DIRECTORNALAN Soydaş, PhD
Istinye University
Outcome results
None listed