The effect of reformer exercise on the balance ofsedanter women

The aim of our study is to investigate the effect of regular reformer pilates exercise on balance in sedentary women. This study included 36 women aged 25-35 years old. Participants were grouped as pilates (n = 18) and control (n = 18), randomly. Pilates group participants were given 60 minutes of reformer pilates exercises for 8 weeks, 3 days a week. The participants in the control group were not applied any exercise. Body weight and fat percentages were measured by Tanita BC 545 before and after exercise. Environmental measurements were measured with tape measure, skinfold thickness with skinfold caliper, and balance measurements with Biodex Balance System device. After the exercise program, there was a significant decrease in waist, abdomen, hip, leg, arm and forearm except for waist-hip ratio in the environmental measurements of the pilates group (p<0.05). In the same way, biceps, triceps, chest, axillary, subscapular and suprailiac regions were decreased (p<0.05). There was a significant increase in the general dynamic balance (p<0.05). Body mass index (BMI) and fat percentage values decreased (p<0.05). In our control group, BMI value, abdomen and hip circumference measurements, thigh and abdominal skinfold thickness measurement increased with the percentage of fat (p<0.05), there was no change in other parameters (p>0.05). The results of our study showed that reformer pilates exercise had positive effects on body composition, flexibility and balance parameters. Key Words: Balance, Body Composition, Flexibility, Reformer Pilates Exercise, Sedentary Woman