Search Results (2)

Background: Middle-aged women with obesity frequently exhibit postural misalignment and impaired balance control, which may increase the risk of functional limitations and falls. This study aimed to compare the effects of Pilates circuit training and weight circuit training on body composition, pelvic alignment indices, and balance performance in obese middle-aged women. Methods: Eighteen women (body fat ≥ 30%) were randomized to either a Pilates circuit training group (PCG, n = 9) or a weight circuit training group (WCG, n = 9) in an exploratory comparative study. Both groups performed supervised exercise three times per week for eight weeks. Outcome measures included body composition, pelvic alignment indices, dynamic balance (Y-Balance Test), and static balance (BESS). Data were analyzed using a two-way mixed ANOVA to examine time, group, and interaction effects. Results: Both groups showed significant reductions in body weight (PCG: −3.09 kg; WCG: −2.00 kg), percentage body fat (PCG: −1.85%; WCG: −1.53%), and waist-to-hip ratio (PCG: −0.05; WCG: −0.04) (p < 0.01). Significant improvements in pelvic alignment indices were observed primarily in the PCG, whereas the WCG showed smaller changes. Dynamic and static balance improved in both groups, with greater improvements observed in the PCG. Conclusions: Both training modalities improved body composition and balance outcomes in obese middle-aged women. Pilates circuit training may be associated with greater improvements in pelvic alignment and balance; however, these findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the exploratory design and small sample size. Further adequately powered randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these findings. Full article

Corporate wellness has become an important public health priority through the designing and implementation of different workplace exercise interventions. The objectives of this study were to investigate: (a) the effectiveness of a 4-month workplace combined yoga, Pilates, and circuit strength training program (outside work shift) on health indices, functional capacity, and physical fitness in office employees; and (b) the employees’ enjoyment following the program. Fifty physically active office employees (26–55 years old) were equally divided into training (TG) and control groups (CG). The TG followed a 4-month (3 times/week, 50–60 min/training) combined yoga, Pilates, and circuit strength training program. Health indices (body composition, body mass, circumferences, musculoskeletal pains), functional capacity (flexibility, balance), and physical fitness (strength, aerobic capacity) were measured before and after the 4-month time period. After the completion of the program, the TG participants’ enjoyment was assessed. The TG significantly improved (p < 0.001) all health, functional capacity (11.3–82.0%), and physical fitness indices (33.9%), except for aerobic capacity, which did not change (p > 0.05). Furthermore, a great percentage of employees (84%) reported high levels of enjoyment. This program could be effectively and safely used in workplace settings as an enjoyable intervention to improve specific health, functional capacity, and physical fitness indices in office employees. Full article