The effects of pilates and relaxation exercises on physical and cognitive parameters in sedentary women

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of pilates and relaxation exercises on physical and cognitive parameters in sedentary women. A total of 34 sedentary women with a mean age of 34.88 ± 9.49, who were reached through social media announcements and found eligible based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, participated in the study. The inclusion criteria were willingness to participate, not having exercised in the past six months, being between 20–50 years old, not having undergone any surgical operation, and having a Mini Mental Test score above 24. Individuals with major psychiatric disorders, severe orthopedic problems, or medical conditions preventing exercise were excluded. Participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups using the Research Randomizer software. The experimental group received pilates exercises combined with progressive relaxation and breathing techniques for eight weeks, twice a week, for 90 minutes each session. The control group performed only 60-minute pilates exercises during the same period and frequency. Before and after the interventions, all participants were assessed using the Sit-and-Reach Test for flexibility, McGill Core Endurance Tests (Plank, Extension, and Lateral Plank) for endurance, and the Y Balance Test (Anterior, Posteromedial, Posterolateral) for balance. For cognitive assessment, the Stroop and Digit Span Tests were used. Data were analyzed with SPSS 25.0, and the significance level was set at p<0.05. As a result of the study, statistically significant differences were found in the experimental group in the Sit-and-Reach Test (p=0.001), McGill Plank (p=0.001), McGill Extension (p=0.001), McGill Lateral Plank (p=0.001), and all directions of the Y Balance Test (p=0.001) (p<0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed in all sub-parameters of the Stroop (p=0.001) and Digit Span Tests (p=0.001) (p<0.05). In the control group, statistically significant differences were also found in the Sit-and-Reach (p=0.001), McGill Extension (p=0.001), McGill Lateral Plank (p=0.001), and all directions of the Y Balance Test (p=0.001) (p<0.05). Significant differences were observed in all sub-parameters of the Stroop (p=0.001) and Digit Span Tests (p=0.001) (p<0.05). In the between-group analysis, statistically significant differences (p=0.001) were found in all physical and cognitive parameters in favor of the experimental group (p<0.05). In conclusion, significant improvements were observed in both groups in physical and cognitive parameters after the intervention. However, greater improvements were found in the experimental group that performed pilates exercises in combination with progressive relaxation and breathing techniques.