Effect of Mat Pilates intervention on sleep quality in adolescent girls: A single blinded randomised controlled trial

Background: Pilates, a low-to-moderate intensity workout provides an alternative to traditional methods that stimulate both the mind and the body. Adolescent girls often experience sub optimal sleep quality, especially on school days, posing significant health risks. This study aims to investigate the effects of Pilates on the sleep quality of adolescent females. Methods: A single-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial was conducted at a Physiotherapy OPD. Eligible adolescent girls (aged 10-19) with PSQI scores exceeding 5 were enrolled. Sixty participants were allocated each to Group A (Control) or Group B (Mat Pilates) via convenience sampling. Parental consent and participant assent were obtained. Group A maintained daily activities with ergonomic exercises, while Group B underwent Mat Pilates training three times weekly for eight weeks. Data were collected at baseline, at the end of 4th and 8th week. Result: Between-group analysis at the 4th and 8th weeks showed significant differences. Post hoc analysis with Bonferroni adjustment revealed notable improvements from baseline to both time points (p < 0.05). The experimental group achieved a 45.14 % greater reduction in Global PSQI score compared to the control group, indicating significant improvements in sleep quality. The experimental group also showed a substantial 53.39 % improvement in sleep duration and a significant 65 % reduction in sleep latency, outperforming the control group. Conclusion: This study reveals promising improvements in sleep quality, highlighting the potential benefits of Pilates for this demographic. This can be a valuable approach to enhancing sleep quality among adolescent girls, potentially contributing to their overall health and life quality.