Investigation of the Effect of Long-Term Pilates and Step Aerobic Exercises on Functional Movement Screening Scores

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the variation in FMS scores of women performing Pilates exercises 2 days per week, and women performing 1 day of Pilates and 1 day of step aerobic exercise per week after 8 weeks. The research included 60 sedentary female volunteers aged from 35-50 years (age range: 30.4-54.2 years, mean: 41.2 ± 6.37). Subjects in the research were tested for basic movement patterns, stabilization and mobilization. The study was planned to last 8 weeks, with 2 training sessions per week. At the end of 8 weeks, FMS tests were repeated. Statistical analyses used the SPSS program. P values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The total score in the group with 2 days Pilates per week increased from 13.08 to 17,85, while the scores for the group with 1 day Pilates and 1 day aerobic exercise rose from 13 from 15 (p<0.05). The control group had pre-test measurement of 13.25 and post-test measurement of 13.19, with no significant change observed (p>0.05). While there was no difference between the groups for preliminary FMS results, there were significant differences between the final FMS results (pre-test p: 0.92, post-test p: 0.015). In conclusion, 2 days of Pilates exercise preserved and developed functional movement, stability and mobility and reduced the risk of injury. Though one day Pilates and one day aerobic exercise improved FMS scores, it did not reduce the risk of injury.