Investigation of the effects of pilates exercises on smartphone addiction and respiratory functions in female university students aged 18-24

This study aimed to examine the effects of an eight-week Pilates exercise program on smartphone addiction levels and respiratory functions in women aged 18-24. A total of 41 female university students, with an average age of 20.57 ± 1.15, studying at Balıkesir University and residing in the Youth and Sports Provincial Directorate Credit and Dormitory Institution, voluntarily participated in the study. The study findings revealed that participants' average screen time decreased by 1 hour and 54 minutes compared to the pre-test results. Pilates exercises were observed to have positive effects on smartphone addiction and respiratory functions. While no significant changes were detected in the sub-dimensions of smartphone addiction, such as loneliness, emotional resilience, and obsessive behaviors, positive effects were observed in functional impairment. According to the results of respiratory function tests, strong positive correlations were found in FEV1, FEV3, FEV1/FVC, PEF, and FET parameters. However, no statistically significant relationship was found between smartphone addiction and the total scores of physiological parameters of respiratory functions. In conclusion, Pilates exercises may create positive effects on physical and psychological health and highlight the important role of smartphone addiction in quality of life.