The effects of mat pilates exercises on tinnitus severity and psychosomatic condition in individuals with tinnitus

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Pilates mat exercises on tinnitus severity and psychosomatic status in individuals with tinnitus. A total of 40 adult participants with tinnitus, aged between 18 and 60 years (mean age: 33.23 ± 10.81 years), voluntarily took part in the study. Among the participants, 85% were female (n = 34) and 15% were male (n = 6). Tinnitus is a complex symptom that negatively affects individuals' quality of life, often impairing attention, sleep, and mood. While pharmacological and audiological approaches are commonly used, there is limited research on the effects of physical exercise on tinnitus. In particular, there is a lack of scientific knowledge regarding how mind-body exercises such as Pilates influence tinnitus. Therefore, in this study, auditory characteristics of tinnitus (white noise threshold, residual inhibition, pitch and loudness matching, minimum masking level), its subjective severity and related disability, as well as psychosomatic variables such as attention, discomfort, sleep, and tinnitus persistence were assessed using various scales before and after an 8-week regular Pilates mat exercise program. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in white noise threshold, pitch/loudness matching, minimum masking level, tinnitus severity index, handicap questionnaire scores, and visual analog scale values (p ≤ 0.01). No significant difference was found in residual inhibition (p ≥ 0.05). These findings suggest that regular Pilates mat exercises may serve as a supportive therapy by reducing the negative effects of tinnitus and improving psychological well-being in individuals with tinnitus.