Effects of Reformer Pilates on Adolescents' Posture and Trunk Endurance

NCT06767228 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: TU-FTR-MŞY-003
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 26
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to investigate the effects of reformer pilates exercises on posture, core endurance, and body awareness in adolescents. The hypothesis is that reformer pilates will improve these outcomes compared to a control group receiving only informational support. Participants will be randomized into two groups and assessed over six weeks.

Conditions

Adolescent; Healthy

Keywords

Adolescent; Exercise therapy; Posture; Body awareness

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Postural Alignment

  Evaluation of static postural alignment using the Artificial Intelligence Posture Evaluation and Correction System (APECS). Photos taken from front, side, and back will be analyzed to assess sagittal and frontal plane deviations, including cervical angle, shoulder alignment, and spinal curvature.

  Baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention.

• Trunk Endurance

  Assessment of core endurance using the Sorensen Test for trunk extensor muscles and the Flexor Endurance Test for trunk flexor muscles. The duration (in seconds) that participants can maintain the test position will be recorded.

  Baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention.

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Objectified Body Consciousness Scale ( OBSC)

  Baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention.

• Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ)

  Baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention.

Study Arms (2)

Reformer Pilates Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will perform reformer pilates exercises twice weekly for six weeks. Each session will last 50 minutes and include warm-up, main exercises, and cool-down phases. The exercises will target both deep and superficial core muscles, focusing on core endurance, posture, and body awareness. The main program includes 12 reformer exercises (e.g., Footwork Series, Pelvic Lift, Arm Circles, Leg Circles) with progressive resistance and repetitions (10 repetitions for the first 3 weeks and 15 repetitions for the last 3 weeks). The intervention will be carried out under professional supervision. Cool-down includes diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation-focused Footwork exercises.

Behavioral: Reformer Pilates

Educational Session Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in this group will receive a one-time, 60-minute educational session on proper posture and the importance of physical activity at the start of the study. This session will include: Verbal and visual explanations about maintaining correct postural alignment in daily activities such as sitting, standing, and lifting. Practical tips on integrating physical activity into their daily routines to support overall health and posture. No structured exercise or physical activity will be performed during the six-week study period. Participants will be invited to post-intervention assessments after six weeks. Additionally, participants will be offered the opportunity to join the reformer pilates exercise program after the study concludes, if they wish.

Interventions

Reformer Pilates BEHAVIORAL

This intervention involves a structured reformer pilates program designed to enhance core endurance, posture, and body awareness. The program includes exercises such as Footwork Series, Pelvic Lift, Arm Circles, Leg Circles, Frog Series, Long Box Series, Short Box Series, Elephant, Knee Stretch Series, Stomach Massage, and Side Stretch. The program emphasizes progressive resistance, controlled movements, and professional supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness. Sessions are conducted twice weekly for six weeks.

Reformer Pilates Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 10 Years - 19 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Aged between 10-19 years.
• Voluntary participation with signed informed consent.
• Ability to read and write in Turkish.

You may not qualify if:

• History of orthopedic injury within the last 3 months.
• Obesity (BMI \> 30 kg/m²).
• Being under follow-up for a scoliosis diagnosis.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Trakya University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Trakya University

Edirne, İskender, 22100, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

Central Study Contacts

Zeynep Arıbaş, PhD

CONTACT

+905057443650; zozaydin@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Research Assistant (PhD)

Model Details: Participants will be randomly assigned to two parallel groups: one receiving reformer pilates exercises and the other receiving educational sessions on posture and physical activity.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 6, 2025
• First Posted: January 9, 2025
• Study Start: March 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: October 7, 2025
• Study Completion: October 7, 2025
• Last Updated: April 11, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)