Investigation of the Effects of Mat Pilates and Apparatus Pilates on some Physical Fitness Parameters, Posture, Joint Mobility and Functional Movement Analysis in Women

Abstract

Objectives The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of mat Pilates and apparatus Pilates on some physical fitness parameters, posture, joint mobility, and functional movement level in adult women. Materials and Methods A total of 45 female participants were included in the study, and they were divided into 3 groups of 15 people in each group. The groups were determined as mat Pilates, apparatus Pilates, and control groups. While the participants in the mat and the apparatus Pilates groups performed the exercise program for 12 weeks, the participants in the control group did not participate in any regular physical activity program. The physical fitness parameters, posture, joint mobility, and functional movement level of the participants were evaluated before and after the exercise program. Results At the end of the exercise program, muscle strength, muscular endurance, balance, posture score, joint mobility, and functional movement level increased significantly in both the mat and the apparatus Pilates groups (p<0.05). For the post-test values of the parameters evaluated within the scope of the study, a significant difference was found between the mat and the apparatus Pilates groups in favor of the apparatus Pilates group in terms of back strength, leg strength, and balance (p<0.05). Conclusion Both mat and apparatus Pilates exercise programs provided an increase in muscle strength, muscular endurance, joint mobility, functional movement level, and positive effects on balance and posture in adult women.