title: Effect of mat pilates exercise on postural alignment and body composition of middle-aged women.
abstract: [Purpose] This study attempted to examine whether Pilates is an effective exercise for improving the postural alignment and health of middle-aged women. [Subjects and Methods] The participants in this study were 36 middle-aged women (20 in the experimental group, 16 in the control group). The experimental group participated in Pilates exercise sessions three times a week for 12 weeks. Body alignment and composition measurements before and after applying the Pilates exercise program were performed with a body composition analyzer and a three-dimensional scanner. [Results] Postural alignment in the sagittal and horizontal planes was enhanced in the Pilates exercise group. Trunk alignment showed correlations with body fat and muscle mass. [Conclusion] The Pilates exercises are performed symmetrically and strengthen the deep muscles. Moreover, the results showed that muscle mass was correlated with trunk postural alignment and that the proper amount of muscle is critical in maintaining trunk postural alignment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Marine Sports, Pukyong National University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hyo Taek
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Sports Science, Dongguk University Gyeongju Campus, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hyun Ok
authors.initials: HO
authors.lastname: Oh
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Education, Graduate School, Pusan National University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hui Seung
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Han
authors.affiliation: Department of Computer Engineering, Kangwon National University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Kwang Youn
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Jin
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Kangwon National University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hyo Lyun
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Roh
keywords: Middle-aged women; Pilates exercise; Postural alignment