The investigation of the effects of reformer pilates exercises and foam roller on flexibility, stress, depression, and quality of life in women

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of reformer Pilates exercises and foam roller training on flexibility, stress, depression, and quality of life in women. A total of 36 healthy women aged between 18 and 50 years, who had not participated in any flexibility-based exercise program within the last six months, were included in the study. After recording demographic data using a sociodemographic information form, data collection involved the Sit and Reach Test, Modified Sit and Reach Test, and Functional Reach Test for flexibility assessment; the Perceived Stress Scale for stress levels; the Beck Depression Inventory for depression; and the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale for quality of life evaluation. The data obtained were analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for Windows 22.0 software. The results showed that participants in the Pilates group demonstrated significant improvements between pre- and post-exercise measurements in the sit and reach test (p < 0.001), modified sit and reach test (right and left) (p < 0.001), functional reach test (p < 0.004), and Beck Depression Inventory scores(p<0.024). However, no significant differences were observed in perceived stress levels (p > 0.063) or SF-36 quality of life scores (p >0.301). In the foam roller group, only the functional reach test scores showed a significant improvement (p < 0.01), while no significant differences were found in the other measurements (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that Pilates exercises have positive effects on flexibility and depression, whereas foam roller exercises demonstrate limited impact. Therefore, in clinical practice, foam roller techniques should be integrated with reformer Pilates or other active exercise protocols to enhance overall effectiveness. Keywords: Pilates; Foam Roller; Flexibility; Depression.