The effects of pilates exercises on balance in females

Background/Objective: The aim of this research is to determine the effects of Pilates exercises on balance in females. Methods: Sixty sedentary women volunteers (mean age = 34.67 ± 10.41 years; height = 158.75 ± 4.68 cm; weight = 76.22 ± 11.94 kg) participated in this research. Each subject was randomly allocated to the Experimental Group (EG=30) or the Control Group (CG=30). The EG performed the Pilates exercise program. In eyes open condition, there was no significantly difference in the control group (p>0.05) while Overall Stability Index (OSI) scores significantly decreased in the experimental group after the exercises (p<0.05). Under the eyes closed condition, a significant difference was seen in OSI scores before and after the exercises (p<0.05). Results: In conclusion, this study shows that an 8-weeks Pilates exercise program contributes to an increase in the ability to control the body's position or balance for sedentary adult females through improvements in physical activity and positions.