Objectives The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of
mat Pilates and apparatus Pilates on some physical fitness parameters, posture,
joint mobility, and functional movement level in adult women.
Materials and Methods A total of 45 female participants were included in
the study, and they were divided into 3 groups of 15 people in each group. The
groups were determined as mat Pilates, apparatus Pilates, and control groups.
While the participants in the mat and the apparatus Pilates groups performed the
exercise program for 12 weeks, the participants in the control group did not
participate in any regular physical activity program. The physical fitness
parameters, posture, joint mobility, and functional movement level of the
participants were evaluated before and after the exercise program.
Results At the end of the exercise program, muscle strength, muscular
endurance, balance, posture score, joint mobility, and functional movement level
increased significantly in both the mat and the apparatus Pilates groups
(p<0.05). For the post-test values of the parameters evaluated within
the scope of the study, a significant difference was found between the mat and
the apparatus Pilates groups in favor of the apparatus Pilates group in terms of
back strength, leg strength, and balance (p<0.05).
Conclusion Both mat and apparatus Pilates exercise programs provided an
increase in muscle strength, muscular endurance, joint mobility, functional
movement level, and positive effects on balance and posture in adult women.