Effect of Pilates training on respiration, joints mobility, and muscle strength in healthy middle-aged women with sedentary occupations

Abstract

Background: Pilates training has proven to be an effective method of mental and physical conditioning in rehabilitation, and it has become increasingly popular within the general fitness community. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of Pilates training practice on the respiratory system, joint mobility, and muscle strength of healthy middle-aged women with sedentary occupation. Methods: Thirty-two healthy women (age 45.4 ± 2.3 years, range 40-49 years; body mass 73.5 ± 1.5 kg; body height 1.70 ± 0.03 m) were recruited and randomised into experimental (n = 18) and control (n = 14) groups. The experimental group participated in a 12-week series of 1-hour Pilates workouts (beginner level) three times per week. Results: After intervention, the experimental group revealed significant positive changes in the vital capacity test (p = .05), Stange test (p = .001), and Gencha test (p = .001). Respiratory rate and body mass index improved slightly. All joint mobility and muscle strength variables of the participants showed significant differences compared with the baseline data (p < .05). The most significant improvements were observed in variables of the shoulder girdle mobility during flexion (p = .003), abdominal strength (p = .041), and body strength endurance (p = .003 and .034). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusions: The results confirmed that a 12-week series of 1-hour Pilates workouts three times per week is effective in improving parameters of the respiratory system, shoulder girdle, abdominal strength and endurance, and hip and shoulder joint mobility in healthy middle-aged women with a sedentary occupation.