The Effects of Reformer Pilates on Pain, Functional Capacity, Lumbopelvic Stabilization, Abdominal Muscles, Respiratory Functions, Pelvic Floor Function, and Venous Insufficiency in Pregnant Women

What this Trial Is About

Pregnancy is a time of significant physical and psychological changes for women, often accompanied by symptoms such as low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and changes in abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. Researchers are studying the effects of reformer Pilates on various pregnancy-related issues, including pain, functional capacity, muscle thickness, respiratory functions, pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary incontinence, sexual function, and venous insufficiency. This study is conducted to fill the gap in knowledge about how reformer Pilates impacts these conditions during pregnancy. Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to two groups. One group will take part in reformer Pilates sessions twice a week for six weeks, with each session including warm-up, resistance exercises targeting major muscle groups, pelvic floor muscle strengthening, and cool-down. The resistance will gradually increase over time. Participants in the control group will be advised to walk at least 30 minutes a day, at least three days a week. The study assessments occur at the start and six weeks after the first evaluation. During the study, participants will undergo measurements of abdominal muscle thickness, lung function tests, and pelvic floor dysfunction assessments at baseline and after six weeks. Additional evaluations will track pain levels in the neck, back, and pelvic areas, functional capacity, lumbopelvic stabilization, urinary incontinence severity, sexual function, diastasis recti abdominis, and venous insufficiency. The research team will monitor adherence to the exercise sessions and collect data to understand the effects of reformer Pilates on these pregnancy-related health aspects.

Effects of Reformer Pilates in Pregnant Women