The Effect of Pilates Exercise on the Muscle Strength of Female Students: A Case Study in Gorgan, Iran

Background: Physical activities in adolescence are one of the critical health concepts in adolescents, especially females, because they are prone to musculoskeletal disorders due to the weakness of the trunk muscles. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of Pilates exercise on the muscle strength of female students aged ۱۳ - ۱۵ years. Methods: This research was conducted on ۵۰ girl students of the first secondary school in Gorgan, Iran, in ۲۰۲۲, who were selected by a multi-stage cluster sampling method. The samples were divided into case and control groups. The test group received eight sessions (۳۰ - ۴۵ minutes) of Pilates twice a week for four weeks. The control group performed routine school sports. The results were analyzed using inferential statistics and SPSS software version ۲۱. Results: The independent t-test showed a significant difference between the Pilates and control groups for upper (P < ۰.۰۱) and lower body muscles (P < ۰.۰۱). In addition, the ANCOVA test showed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of upper-body (P < ۰.۰۱) and lower-body muscle strength (P < ۰.۰۱) by removing the pre-test effect. Conclusions: Based on the results, Pilates exercises strengthened female students’ upper and lower body muscles. This sports method is inexpensive and does not require a large space or facilities. Therefore, educational and health managers in schools can use this sports method to strengthen students’ physical and mental health.