Investigation of core muscle strength and endurance, postural control, functional capacity, salivary cortisol level and quality of life in women who regularly perform reformer pilates

This study aimed to investigate core muscle strength and endurance, postural control, functional capacity, salivary cortisol levels, and quality of life in women who have been regularly performing reformer pilates exercises for at least one year. The sample consisted of 50 participants: 25 women (mean age: 31.8 ± 7.3 years) who had been practicing reformer pilates three times per week for an average of 21.20 ± 7.26 months under the supervision of a physiotherapist, and 25 sedentary women (mean age: 31.2 ± 7.6 years). Core muscle strength was assessed using sit-up and modified push-up tests, while core endurance was evaluated using the trunk flexor endurance test and the lateral bridge test. Postural control was measured via the Flamingo Balance Test (FBT) for static balance and the Y Balance Test (YBT) for dynamic balance. Functional capacity was assessed through the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Salivary cortisol levels were measured using the Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA) method, and quality of life was evaluated with the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. The findings revealed that women who regularly engaged in reformer pilates demonstrated significantly greater core strength and endurance, improved postural control, and higher 6-Minute Walk Test distances compared to their sedentary counterparts (p<0.05). Although salivary cortisol levels were lower in the pilates group, the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Regarding quality of life, only the vitality and general health subscale scores were significantly higher in the pilates group, with no significant differences observed in other domains (p>0.05). In conclusion, regular participation in reformer pilates exercises appears to enhance core muscle strength and endurance, improve postural control, increase functional capacity, and positively influence certain aspects of quality of life. These results suggest that reformer pilates may serve as an effective method for promoting physical fitness and modulating stress responses in healthy women, supporting its integration into clinical rehabilitation and preventive health practices.