Effects of Pilates Reformer Exercise on Standing Postural Alignment

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the effects of applying the Pilates reformer exercise to 17 adult women on the alignment of the standing posture. Methods: The subjects performed a Pilates reformer exercise for 60 minutes a day, three times a week, for a total of eight weeks. The Pilates reformer exercise consisted of five types: 1) lower and lift, 2) hundred, 3) plow, 4) airplane, and 5) twist. The standing posture alignment in the sagittal and frontal planes was measured using exbody 9100MOMI musculoskeletal analysis equipment. Results: A comparison of before and after the exercise using paired t-test revealed a significant decrease in the difference between the horizontal inclination and the vertical height that approached zero after the intervention in the frontal plane of anterior and posterior standing postures (p<0.05), and the lateral standing posture in the sagittal plane. In addition, the difference between the horizontal inclination and the vertical height decreased and approached zero after the intervention (p<0.05). Conclusion: The Pilates reformer exercise had a positive effect on the alignment of the standing posture.