RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07642245

Effects of Pilates and Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Postpartum Weight Loss and Body Composition

Effects of Pilates Versus Moderate Intensity Aerobic Exercises on Weight Loss, Body Mass Index and Waist to Hip Ratio in Postpartum Period.

Sponsor

Riphah International University

Enrollment

30 participants

Start Date

Apr 2, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Postpartum Period

Summary

After childbirth, many women experience difficulty losing pregnancy-related weight, which can affect their health, self-esteem, and physical activity. Regular exercise, including Pilates and moderate-intensity aerobic exercises, is considered a safe and natural method to improve fitness and support weight loss during the postpartum period. This study aims to compare the effects of Pilates and aerobic exercise on body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio in postpartum women over 8 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a Pilates group or an aerobic exercise group, with both groups exercising three times weekly for 45-60 minutes. The results will then be compared to determine which exercise method is more effective.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin Age: 20 YearsMax Age: 40 Years

Inclusion Criteria4

Women aged 20 to 40 years
BMI > 25kg/m2 at baseline
Medically cleared by a health professional to perform physical activity
Women 6 to 24 weeks postpartum

Exclusion Criteria5

Women with complications during delivery (Cesarean complications, perineal tears grade 3 or 4)
Presence of chronic disorders (diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, severe anemia)
Neuromusculoskeletal disorders affecting physical activity
Currently participating in another fitness program
Postpartum depression or other psychological disorders that may affect adherence

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Interventions

OTHERPilates

Pilates Group Type of Exercise: Mat-based Pilates focusing on core stability, breathing control, flexibility, and pelvic floor strengthening. Structure: Warm-up (10 mins): Light mobility and breathing exercises; Main Session (30-40 mins): Pelvic tilts, bridging, leg stretches, roll-ups, side-lying series; Focus on posture, controlled movement, and core engagement; Cool-down (5-10 mins): Gentle stretching and relaxation. Progression: Gradual increase in intensity and complexity over 8 weeks. Supervision: Sessions led by a trained physiotherapist or certified Pilates instructor.

OTHERAerobic Exercise

Aerobic Exercise Group Type of Exercise: Moderate intensity aerobic training (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, or low-impact dance routines). Intensity: 50-70% of maximum heart rate (monitored using Rate of Perceived Exertion Scale 11-13 on Borg Scale). Structure: Warm-up (10 mins): Marching in place, arm circles, step touch; Main Session (30-40 mins): Rhythmic aerobic routines or treadmill walking; Cool-down (5-10 mins): Stretching major muscle groups. Supervision: Sessions conducted under the guidance of a physiotherapist or fitness instructor.