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The effects of pilates on posture and physical fitness parameters in 5-6 years old children: A non-randomized
1Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Soke Health Services Vocational School, Aydin, Turkey.
Insights
Pilates significantly improved posture and physical fitness in 5-6 year olds. This study highlights Pilates as a beneficial and engaging physical activity for young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Childhood development
- Exercise science
Background:
- Childhood inactivity is a significant public health concern.
- Physical activity is crucial for healthy development and growth in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Pilates on posture and physical fitness in 5-6 year old children.
- To assess Pilates as an alternative physical activity for preschoolers.
Main Methods:
- A non-randomized controlled study involving 66 children aged 5-6 years.
- Participants were divided into a Pilates group (n=31) and a control group (n=35).
- The Pilates group engaged in a 10-week program (2 sessions/week); the control group maintained daily routines. Posture was assessed using the New York Posture Rating Chart, and physical fitness was evaluated with the Eurofit test battery.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant improvements were observed within the Pilates group in posture (New York Posture Rating Chart, p < 0.001).
- Significant improvements were also noted in physical fitness components including balance, flexibility, explosive strength, muscular endurance, and aerobic fitness (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Pilates demonstrates positive effects on physical fitness and postural assessment in preschool-aged children.
- The findings suggest Pilates is an enjoyable and effective physical activity option for children aged 5-6 years.
Background:
Inactivity is a public health problem. Physical activity is beneficial at any age, but is even more critical in childhood for healthy development and growth.
Objectives:
The purpose of this non-randomized controlled study was to investigate the effects of Pilates on posture and physical fitness parameters in 5-6 years old healthy children.
Methods:
Four preschool classes were divided into two groups. Five-six years old 66 preschool children were assigned to the Pilates (n = 31) and control (n = 35) groups. The Pilates group received a Pilates program twice a week for 10 weeks. The control group continued their daily routines. Postural assessment was evaluated using the New York Posture Rating Chart test and physical fitness was evaluated with the Eurofit test battery. Children were blinded to assignment. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparisons between groups, and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was used for within-group comparisons.
Results:
In this study, within-group comparisons showed statistically significant improvements in the New York Posture Rating chart test (p < 0.001), Flamingo Balance, Sit and Reach, Standing Broad Jump, 30-Second Sit-Up, Bent Arm Hang, and 20-Meter Shuttle Run test scores (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Pilates has positive effects on physical fitness parameters and postural evaluation in preschool children. This study suggests that Pilates can be an entertaining alternative physical activity in children aged 5-6 years.
Number:
NCT05210426.
