Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing During Equipment-Based Pilates in Women

NCT07652229 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: İAU-FTR-NM-01
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 44
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of diaphragmatic breathing exercises on core stabilization muscle strength, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and chest expansion in women performing equipment-based Pilates. A total of 44 healthy women aged 20 to 50 years who regularly participate in equipment-based Pilates exercises will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups. The intervention group will receive equipment-based Pilates training combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercises, while the control group will receive equipment-based Pilates training only. Both groups will participate in supervised exercise sessions twice weekly for 8 weeks. Core stabilization muscle strength, peak expiratory flow, and chest expansion measurements will be assessed before and after the intervention period. The findings of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the additional effects of diaphragmatic breathing exercises on respiratory function and core stabilization in women performing Pilates.

Conditions

Core Stability; Respiratory Function; Diaphragmatic Breathing

Keywords

Pilates; Equipment-Based Pilates; Diaphragmatic Breathing; Core Stability; Peak Expiratory Flow; Chest Expansion; Respiratory Function

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Core Stabilization Muscle Strength

  Core stabilization muscle strength assessed using a Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU).

  Baseline and 8 weeks

• Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)

  Peak expiratory flow measured using a peak flow meter and recorded in liters per minute (L/min).

  Baseline and 8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Chest Expansion

  Baseline and 8 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Pilates + Diaphragmatic Breathing

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received equipment-based Pilates training combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercises twice weekly for 8 weeks. Each session lasted approximately 50 minutes and was supervised by the same physiotherapist.

Behavioral: Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise; Behavioral: Equipment-Based Pilates Training

Pilates Only

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants received equipment-based Pilates training twice weekly for 8 weeks.

Behavioral: Equipment-Based Pilates Training

Interventions

Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise BEHAVIORAL

Participants performed diaphragmatic breathing exercises twice weekly for 8 weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The breathing exercises focused on diaphragmatic activation and controlled breathing patterns and were integrated into the Pilates training sessions.

Pilates + Diaphragmatic Breathing

Equipment-Based Pilates Training BEHAVIORAL

Participants received equipment-based Pilates training twice weekly for 8 weeks. Each session lasted approximately 50 minutes and was supervised by the same physiotherapist. The program focused on core stabilization, posture, flexibility, and muscle strengthening.

Pilates + Diaphragmatic Breathing; Pilates Only

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 20 Years - 50 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Only women who self-identify as female and meet the study eligibility criteria were eligible to participate in this study.
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Female participants aged 20-50 years. Healthy individuals regularly performing equipment-based Pilates exercises. Willingness to participate voluntarily and provide informed consent. Ability to attend Pilates sessions twice weekly for 8 weeks.

You may not qualify if:

• History of spinal trauma or surgery within the previous 6 months. Pregnancy. Diabetes mellitus or other systemic diseases. Respiratory or musculoskeletal disorders that may affect participation or outcome measurements.
• Cognitive or physical limitations preventing compliance with the study protocol.
• Failure to attend scheduled sessions or complete the intervention protocol. Development of pain, injury, or any medical condition requiring discontinuation during the study.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul Aydın University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Yeşim Dokuzluoğlu Private Pilates Studio

Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Respiratory Aspiration

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Respiration Disorders; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• Gözde Başbuğ, PhD, PT

  Istanbul Aydın University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Nava Mokhtari, PT, MSc

CONTACT

+90 505 740 3209; navaamokhtarii@gmail.com

Gözde Başbuğ, PhD, PT

CONTACT

+90 535 558 89 09; gozdebasbug@aydin.edu.tr

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: MSc Student, Physiotherapist

Model Details: Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups. The intervention group will receive equipment-based Pilates exercises combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercises, while the control group will receive equipment-based Pilates exercises only. Both groups will participate in supervised sessions twice weekly for 8 weeks. Outcome measures will be assessed before and after the intervention period.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 11, 2026
• First Posted: June 17, 2026
• Study Start: June 15, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): August 10, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 15, 2026
• Last Updated: June 17, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)