NCT07257731

The Effect of Reformer Pilates on Functional Capacity, Balance, and Quality of Life in Sedentary Women

The Effect of Reformer Pilates Exercises on Functional Capacity, Balance, Muscular Endurance, and Quality of Life in Sedentary Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 57 (actual)
• Sponsor: Istanbul Aydın University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 55 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effect of Reformer Pilates exercises on functional capacity, balance, muscular endurance, and quality of life in sedentary women. A total of 57 sedentary women were randomly assigned to either the Intervention Group (N=30) or the Control Group (N=27). Participants in the intervention group underwent an 8-week Reformer Pilates exercise program, consisting of 2 sessions per week, 50 minutes each. The control group maintained their usual lifestyle without intervention. All participants' functional capacity (1-minute sit-to-stand), balance (Functional Reach Test), muscular endurance (30-second push-up and sit-up tests), and quality of life (SF-36) were measured at baseline and at the end of the 8-week period.

Detailed description

In the modern world, technological advances and evolving lifestyles have led to a significant global public health concern: the sedentary lifestyle. Sedentary behavior is defined by low energy expenditure ($\\le 1.5$ METs) during activities like sitting or lying down. This trend contributes to the rise of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, Type 2 diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders, placing a substantial burden on health systems.Women are particularly vulnerable to decreased physical activity due to physiological factors (e.g., pregnancy, menopause) and sociocultural aspects. This physical inactivity is linked to reduced muscle mass, bone density, poor functional capacity, and increased risk of falls. Furthermore, sedentary behaviors adversely affect psychosocial well-being, contributing to increased depression, anxiety, and a reduced overall quality of life.The Reformer Pilates method, based on principles such as core stabilization, control, and breathing, is a comprehensive exercise approach aimed at improving strength, flexibility, posture, and balance. The Reformer apparatus, with its springs and movable carriage, provides adjustable resistance and support, making it an efficient and safe exercise option, particularly for sedentary individuals. While existing literature supports the benefits of Pilates, there is a distinct gap regarding the combined effects of Reformer Pilates (not Mat Pilates) on the crucial parameters of functional capacity, balance, muscular endurance, and quality of life within the sedentary female population, using a high-evidence-level randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. This study aims to address this critical scientific gap.STUDY OBJECTIVE AND DESIGNThe primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of an 8-week Reformer Pilates exercise program on the levels of functional capacity, balance, muscular endurance, and quality of life in sedentary women, compared to a control group.This investigation is designed as a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). A total of 57 sedentary women were randomly assigned to either the Intervention Group (N=30) or the Control Group (N=27).INTERVENTION PROTOCOLIntervention Group: Participants in this group underwent an 8-week Reformer Pilates exercise program. The program involved 2 sessions per week, with each session lasting 50 minutes. All sessions were administered by the same physical therapist at a dedicated center (FLC Konsept Sağlıklı Yaşam Merkezi). The exercise protocol was standardized but personalized: the spring resistance on the Reformer apparatus was adjusted based on the individual participant's physical condition and tolerance to maximize efficiency and safety.Control Group: Participants in this group maintained their usual lifestyle and daily routine throughout the 8-week study period, without receiving any structured exercise intervention.OUTCOME MEASURESAll participants underwent comprehensive assessments at baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention period. Measurements were taken by the same blinded physical therapist to ensure reliability and minimize bias.The primary outcome and secondary outcomes are defined as follows:Functional Capacity: Measured using the 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test.Balance: Measured using the Functional Reach Test.Muscular Endurance: Measured using the 30-Second Push-Up Test and the 30-Second Sit-Up Test.Quality of Life: Measured using the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) scale.

Conditions

• Sedentary Lifestyle
• Functional Capacity

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Reformer Pilates Exercise Program	The Reformer Pilates Exercise Program was delivered over an 8-week period, consisting of 2 supervised sessions per week. Each session lasted 50 minutes and was administered by the same licensed Physical Therapist (PT) at the FLC Konsept Healthy Living Center. The exercises utilized the Reformer apparatus. The program was standardized but individually tailored by adjusting the spring resistance based on the participant's tolerance level and physical condition to ensure safe and effective exercise progression. The intervention focused on the six core principles of Pilates, targeting core stabilization, muscle strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and balance to improve the overall physical fitness of sedentary women.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-05-15
• Primary completion: 2025-06-15
• Completion: 2025-08-15
• First posted: 2025-12-02
• Last updated: 2025-12-02

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)