Evaluation of the Effects of Reformer Pilates Exercises on Women's Anthropometric Parameters
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18231351Keywords:
Anthropometry , Body composition, Exercise, Reformer pilatesAbstract
Although the positive effects of Reformer Pilates (RP) exercises on anthropometric parameters are frequently emphasized in the literature, existing knowledge regarding the temporal changes induced by this exercise protocol remains limited. In this context, the present study was designed to address this gap by evaluating the effects of a 12-week RP exercise protocol on the anthropometric parameters of female participants (n=24) at four different time points. This longitudinal quasi-experimental study employed a repeated-measures design. The temporal changes in measurement variables were assessed at pre-exercise and at the end of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd months. Participants engaged in a structured RP exercise protocol three times per week for 12-weeks, with each session lasting 60 minutes. The exercise program consisted of systematic warm-up, main exercise, and cool-down phases. To assess the effects of the RP exercise protocol on anthropometric parameters, circumferential measurements of the waist, chest, hips, thigh, arm, and leg regions were obtained. The results of the study revealed statistically significant reductions in all body circumference measurements (p<0.05). The greatest reduction was observed during the first month, with a continued but decelerated decrease in the second month. The decline persisted in the third month, albeit at a markedly slower rate. In conclusion, a regular and structured RP exercise program facilitates notable reductions in body circumference, and this effect appears to be sustainable over time. In particular, reductions in waist and hip circumference suggest a decrease in abdominal and visceral fat, which may be considered a favorable indicator of cardiometabolic health.
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