Abstract
Objectives: To quantify and determine the effects of Pilates on core endurance, hamstring flexibility, balance, body composition/mass, and perceived stress level in healthy college-aged women.
Study Design: Randomized controlled trial design.
Background: Emerging research on the Pilates technique is inconclusive regarding benefits to core endurance, flexibility, balance, body mass, and perceived stress.
Methods and Measures: Female college students (n = 57; 18-35 years old) were randomly assigned to a Pilates group, who exercised at home with a DVD, or a control group who did not engage in Pilates practice. Core endurance, hamstring flexibility, balance, body composition, and stress measurements were taken at baseline and at 10 weeks.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference between groups for multidirectional standing reach test results, specifically reaching to the right, and right hamstring flexibility.
Conclusion: Pilates practice resulted in gains in balance and hamstring flexibility among college-aged women. Limitations in this study, including the unknown level of activity of the control group, warrant further investigation. Additional research is needed to determine whether Pilates has a significant effect on core endurance, body composition, and perceived stress level.