The Effect of Pilates Exercises on Mobility and Dynamic Balance in Former Athletes and Sedentary Individuals

Abstract

Workout programmes have proven physiological benefits, and it is widely accepted that they can yield more positive health outcomes when parameters such as balance and mobility are at play. This study intends to examine the effects of a 12-week mat pilates workout program on mobility and dynamic balance parameters in the former athlete group (FAG) and the sedentary group (SG). The study was designed in an experimental design with pre-test and post-test in two groups. The study group consisted of 30 female participants, SG (n=15) and FAG (n = 15). Dynamic balance values were measured using the Star Excursion Balance Test, and lower extremity mobility was measured using the Sit and Reach Test. Both groups conducted mat pilates exercises twice a week for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12-week mat pilates workout programme, a significant difference of increase was obtained in the mobility values of the FAG (p<0,002) and the SG (p<0,001). The Y Balance Test identified a significant difference of increase with pre-test and post-test in anterior (p = 0.04), postero-lateral (p = 0.03), posteromedial (p = 0.04) directions balance in the FAG. In the difference between groups, SG showed a significant increase in posterolateral (p = 0.001) and posteromedial (p = 0.002) directions balance than FAG at post-test. At the end of the 12-week mat pilates workout programme, it was revealed out that the FAG scored better in post-test in dynamic balance than the SG although it scored lower in the dynamic balance pre-test than the SG.