The Effect of Pilates in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Study

Pilates exercises are ideal for preparing the pregnant woman's body until birth and after the delivery and play a vital role in the recovery of the mother's body. Above all, it makes women feel more comfortable in this temporary body and causes them to be more active. When the literature is examined, it is seen that studies which include the effects of Pilates during pregnancy are still insufficient. All of these studies examining the impact of Pilates education on pregnant women show us that Pilates education can positively contribute to pregnant women. However, in all studies, it is stated that the effects of Pilates on different dimensions of pregnancy should be examined, and additional studies with high evidence value are needed.

Based on this, to ensure that pregnant women have a healthier and more comfortable pregnancy period, a randomized controlled blind study was planned to investigate the effects of Pilates training on core stability, balance, mood, and quality of life in pregnant women.

Fifty-eight pregnant women, who completed the first trimester of pregnancy, have been included in the study. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established according to the guidelines of the American Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee. The Local Ethics Committee approved the study and written informed consent was obtained from all patients to participate.

• Procedures The subjects were separated into two groups, Pilates and the control group, in a randomized manner. The Pilates method was given by a physiotherapist with an Australian Pilates and Physiotherapy Institute certificate and was experienced in pregnancy and Pilates. The control group was followed through the home program. The blind physiotherapist did the evaluations before and after the treatment.

Pilates groups were taken into about one hour of training two days a week. Pregnancy training exercises recommended by the Australian Pilates and Physiotherapy Institute were used in training. Throughout the Pilates training, the physiotherapist controlled the movements, and the necessary corrections were made through tactile and verbal warnings and imagery. The subjects in the control group were asked to follow a home program that consisted of relaxation and respiration exercises for eight weeks, two times per week.