Investigation of the effects of pilates exercise on the quality of li̇fe, anxiety issues and respi̇ratory functions of pregnant women

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of pilates exercises performed during pregnancy on respiratory functions, state and trait anxiety, and quality of life of pregnant women living in Afyonkarahisar province. The research group consisted of 13 women living in Afyonkarahisar in the year 2023-2024, who were in their 20th week of pregnancy and whose participation in this study was not deemed harmful by their doctor, and the experimental group consisted of 13 women, who were the control group. As data collection tools, 'Personal Information Form', 'WHO Quality of Life Scale', 'State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (SAI-SAI)' and Spirometer developed by the researchers were used. SPSS 20 for Windows package program was used to evaluate the obtained data. As a result of the research, it was seen that pilates exercises done during pregnancy positively improved the lung volume and capacity of pregnant women. It was observed that the state and trait anxiety of the experimental group performing Pilates exercises decreased and their quality of life increased. It was observed that nine of the pregnant women in the experimental group gave birth vaginally. It was also determined that the birth weights of the babies of the pregnant women in the experimental group were better than those of the control group. In this context, pregnant women are recommended to do pilates and reformer exercises under the supervision of their doctors. Key Words: Exercise, Pregnant, Exercise for pregnant