Wunda Chair vs Mat Pilates: Balance Effects

Biruni University40 enrolled

Overview

The goal of this study is to compare the acute effects of Wunda Chair Pilates and mat-based Pilates exercises on balance performance in healthy adult women. It will also examine which type of Pilates exercise provides a more immediate improvement in balance. The main questions it aims to answer are: Do Wunda Chair Pilates exercises lead to greater improvements in balance compared to mat-based Pilates after a single session? Are there differences between the two exercise approaches in terms of static balance, dynamic balance, and functional mobility? Researchers will compare Wunda Chair Pilates with mat-based Pilates to determine which method is more effective in enhancing acute balance performance. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to either a Wunda Chair Pilates group or a mat-based Pilates group Perform a single 45-minute exercise session according to their assigned group Complete balance assessments (Single Leg Stance Test, Timed Up and Go Test, and Y-Balance Test) before and immediately after the exercise session

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Pilates Exercise Healthy Women Balance

Interventions

wunda chair exerciseOTHER

Participants in the Chair exercise group will perform an instrument-based Pilates program designed to improve balance and core stability. The exercises will be structured as 1 set of 12 repetitions and will include controlled movements against spring resistance, as well as positions involving loading on a narrow base of support. The exercise session is expected to last approximately 35 minutes.

Mat based pilates exerciseOTHER

Mat Pilates exercises are designed to improve balance control, core stability, and lower extremity muscle coordination. The program consists of static and dynamic balance exercises performed on the mat, with emphasis on maintaining proper postural alignment and core activation throughout the exercises. A BOSU device will be used in some of the exercises.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 45 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Being a woman aged 18-45 years * Having regularly practiced Pilates within the last 3 months * Having sufficient cognitive ability to understand and follow the study protocol * Having adequate physical capacity to safely perform the assessments and exercises Exclusion Criteria: * History of severe trauma, surgery, or fracture involving the lower extremities, spine, or pelvis within the past 6 months * Presence of neurological disorders (e.g., vestibular disorders affecting balance, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, etc.) * History of vestibular system disorders or vertigo * Rheumatologic or inflammatory diseases affecting the lower extremities or spine * Systemic diseases that may affect balance or muscle performance (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, severe cardiovascular disease, etc.) * Pregnancy or having given birth within the last 6 months * Acute musculoskeletal injury causing pain or functional limitation during exercise * Inability to complete the tests on the study day due to acute pain, fatigue, or discomfort

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Dynamic Balance

The Y-Balance Test is a reliable and valid method for assessing dynamic balance and will be used in this study. The YBT requires participants to maintain single-leg stance while reaching in three directions with the other leg: anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial. The composite score is calculated by normalizing the sum of reach distances to lower limb length. Leg length will be measured from the anterior superior iliac spine to the medial malleolus using a tape measure. The YBT is widely used in the literature as a scientifically validated and reliable protocol for assessing dynamic balance capacity. Each limb will be tested three times, and the average value will be recorded. A 1-minute rest period will be provided between trials.

Time frame: pre-invention and immediatelety after invention

Static Balance

The Single Leg Stance Test is a simple and reliable method used to assess static balance performance. During the test, participants stand on one leg with eyes open, and the time until loss of balance is recorded in seconds. Performance is evaluated based on the maximum time the position can be maintained. Measurements will be performed three times for each lower extremity, and the average value will be recorded. The literature reports that this test has high reliability in healthy individuals and is a valid measure for static balance assessment.

Time frame: pre-intervention and immediately after intevention

Functional Mobility and Balance

The Timed Up and Go Test is a widely used clinical performance test designed to assess functional mobility, balance, walking speed, and dynamic postural control. It is a quick and commonly preferred assessment tool in clinical practice. The test includes functional movements required in daily life activities, such as sitting, standing up, walking, turning, and sitting down again. The Timed Up and Go Test demonstrates high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.87-0.99) across different age groups and in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. It has also been reported to show strong correlations with other measures of functional balance and gait performance, and it is considered a valid and reliable assessment tool in both clinical and research settings.

Time frame: pre-intervention and immediately after intervention