The effect of instrumented pilates application on body composition, hamstring flexibility, exercise belief and exercise behaviors in women aged 20-45

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of pilates with equipment on body composition, hamstring flexibility, exercise belief and exercise behaviors in women aged 20-45. The study was designed experimentally, and an exercise program consisting of physical movements for strengthening, flexibility and balance exercises was applied to all participants twice a week for 8 sessions of 50 minutes. The population of the study consists of women between the ages of 20-45 who do pilates with instruments, and the sample consists of 38 women between the ages of 20-45 who are followed in Istanbul Unique Pilates and Diet Center. Demographic and Body Composition Information Form, Sit-Reach Test and Exercise Beliefs Scale were used as data collection tools. Individuals were evaluated using data collection tools at the beginning and end of the study. The data obtained from the study were analyzed with quantitative methods using the SPSS 25.0 package program. When the findings related to the effect of instrumental pilates application on body composition were examined, it was concluded that pilates did not have an effect that significantly changed body composition. There were slight decreases of 1-3% in weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference and waist/hip values, but this decrease was not statistically significant (p>0.05). On the other hand, the findings about the effect of pilates practice on hamstring flexibility showed positive results. There was a 47.4% increase in the flexibility averages of the participants, and this increase was statistically significant (p<0.05). When the effect of instrumental pilates practice on exercise belief was examined, a positive effect was found, similar to the positive effect on flexibility in general. Participants' beliefs about the usefulness of the exercises increased significantly, while their beliefs about the existence of obstacles to the exercises decreased significantly (p<0.05). As a result, at the end of this research, which was carried out in 8 sessions of 50-minutes, twice a week, for 3 months in women between the ages of 20-45, it was determined that the practice of instrumental pilates positively affected the hamstring flexibility and exercise belief in women and increased the exercise behaviors of women. Keywords: Body composition, Exercise belief, Flexibility, Instrument pilates.