EFFECTS OF PILATES EXERCISES AND WHOLE- BODY VIBRATION EXERCISES TRAINING ON BODY COMPOSITION, FLEXIBILITY, AND BALANCE IN HEALTHY WOMEN: RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED PILOT STUDY

Purpose: This study aims to compare the effects of pilates and whole-body vibration exercise training on body composition, flexibility, balance, and functional strength of core muscles in healthy women. Methods: Thirty-six healthy women were divided into three groups: a pilates group, a whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise group, and a control group. The pilates group received training using the 'Reformer (R),' while the WBV group used the 'Power Plate (R).' Both groups trained twice a week for eight weeks, with sessions lasting 45-60 minutes each. The control group did not receive any training. Body composition was assessed using body mass index (BMI), the waist-to-hip ratio, and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Sit-and-Reach Test for flexibility, Functional Reach Test for balance, and Sit-ups and Modified Push-ups Test for core muscle strength. Assessments were made before and after training. Results: In the group comparisons, significant differences in BMI and some bioelectrical impedance parameters were observed in the WBV group (p<0.05). However, no significant changes in body composition were found in the pilates and control groups and no difference was found between the three groups (p>0.05). Flexibility showed significant differences among the three groups (p<0.01). Functional core strength increased in both the pilates and WBV groups (p<0.05), but no significant differences were observed in balance and strength comparisons between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Results indicate that WBV training affected body composition, and both exercise groups improved flexibility, balance, and core strength. However, WBV was not superior to pilates. Further research is needed for generalizability.