The Effects of Pilates-based Exercises on the Posterior Leg Muscles

N/AEnrolling By InvitationNCT07146724

University of Yalova60 enrolled

Overview

This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of a pilates-based exercise program on hamstring flexibility, plantar pressure sensation, and dynamic balance in university students aged 18 to 24 years. Participants diagnosed with hamstring tightness through the Sit and Reach test will be randomly assigned to an exercise group and a control group. The intervention group will undergo an 8-week pilates-based home and supervised exercise program. Outcomes will be evaluated before and after the intervention using Sit and Reach, monofilament sensory testing, and the Y Balance Test. The study seeks to identify whether a non-invasive physical activity like pilates can improve neuromuscular and sensory parameters in young adults.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Exercise Therapy

Interventions

The intervention consists of a pilates-based exercise program specifically designed to target hamstring flexibility, plantar pressure sensitivity, and dynamic balance. Unlike general fitness-oriented pilates, this program includes a combination of mat-based and functional pilates movements adapted to improve posterior chain flexibility and sensory feedback in the lower extremities. The protocol includes 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks - 1 session conducted face-to-face under physiotherapist supervision and 2 sessions as a monitored home exercise. Exercise progression is standardized, and all sessions follow a validated physiotherapy protocol tailored for university-aged individuals with clinically measured hamstring shortening.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 35 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria:Aged between 18-24 years Enrolled students at Yalova University Diagnosed with hamstring shortening (measured via Sit and Reach Test) Willing to participate voluntarily and provide informed consent Not currently participating in any regular exercise program - Exclusion Criteria:Diagnosed with hypermobility syndrome History of orthopedic surgery in the lower extremities in the past 6 months Neurological or musculoskeletal diseases affecting mobility Having systemic chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, MS) Currently under physiotherapy or similar treatment Unwilling or unable to follow the 8-week intervention schedule \-

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Hamstring Flexibility

Hamstring flexibility will be measured using the Sit and Reach Test. Participants will perform the test at baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention period.

Time frame: 8 weeks