This study was conducted to investigate the effects of a Pilates exercise program incorporating the Abdominal draw-in maneuver on body composition and trunk stability in adult men and to compare the outcomes between the experimental group (PEG) and t...
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of a Pilates exercise program incorporating the Abdominal draw-in maneuver on body composition and trunk stability in adult men and to compare the outcomes between the experimental group (PEG) and the control group (NG). Thirty healthy adult men were recruited and randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The exercise program was carried out three times per week for six weeks, with each session lasting 50 minutes. The experimental group (PEG) performed Pilates exercises that included the Abdominal draw-in maneuver, while the control group (NG) maintained their usual daily activities.
Measurements of body weight, BMI, skeletal muscle mass, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and trunk stability (assessed via FMS components: Inline Lunge, Trunk Stability Push-Up, and Rotary Stability) were conducted before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the Windows SPSS/PC 27.0 program to calculate means and standard deviations (Mean±Standard deviation). Normality was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed to examine the main and interaction effects. Bonferroni post hoc tests were applied when significant differences were found, with the significance level set at ⍺=.05.
The results of this study are as follows;
1. As a result of the analysis of the body weight and BMI, no significant differences were observed in either group, although the time × group interaction effect was significant.
2. As a result of the analysis of the skeletal muscle mass, the experimental group (PEG) showed a significant increase after the intervention (p<.001), with significant main and interaction effects. No significant changes were found in the control group (NG).
3. As a result of the analysis of the body fat percentage, the experimental group (PEG) showed a significant decrease (p<.001), with significant main and interaction effects, while no changes were found in the control group (NG).
4. As a result of the analysis of the waist circumference, the experimental group (PEG) showed a significant decrease (p<.001), with significant main and interaction effects, while no changes were observed in the control group (NG).
5. As a result of the analysis of the trunk stability measures (Inline Lunge, Trunk Stability Push-Up, Rotary Stability), the experimental group (PEG) showed significant improvements in all three components (p<.001), with significant main and interaction effects. No significant changes were observed in the control group (NG).
These findings indicate that Pilates exercise incorporating the Abdominal draw-in maneuver is effective for increasing skeletal muscle mass, reducing body fat percentage and waist circumference, and enhancing trunk stability (as measured by FMS components) in adult men. Notably, comparisons between the experimental (PEG) and control (NG) groups demonstrated significant improvements in several body composition and trunk stability indices in the experimental group. Based on these results, Pilates programs incorporating the Abdominal draw-in maneuver may serve as effective exercise strategies to promote health and improve functional movement in adult men. Future studies are needed to explore the long-term effects of this intervention and its synergistic benefits when combined with dietary and lifestyle modifications.