Effect of 12-Week Pilates training on Plasma Levels of PGC1-α and Irisin in Obese Women

Abstract Background & Purpose: Obesity is the most common metabolic disorder and important problem of the last decade. Exercise activity can reduce the negative effects of obesity by affecting PGC-1α and subsequent increases in Irisin, it can change the white adipose tissue and convert it into brown adipose tissue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks Pilates training on the plasma values of PGC-1α and Irisin in obese women. Methodology: the research method was semi-experimental with pre-test, post-test. The statistical population was all obesity women with BMI higher than 30 and age range 25-35 in Semnan. 30 people were selected as available statistical sample from this population and were randomly assigned into two groups: experimental group and control group. The experimental group performed Pilates training protocol, which included stretching tensile exercises, neuromuscular coordination and balance, for 12 weeks, three sessions per week, and every session of 1.5 hours. The ELISA method was used to measure PGC-1α and Irisin variables 48 h before the start of the exercise protocol and 48 hours after the last exercise session. To analyze the data, covariance analysis was used at the significant level (p≤0.05). Findings: The results showed that 12 weeks Pilates training can lead to a significant increase in PGC-1α (p=0.027) and Irisin (p=0.001) in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion: The results show that 12 weeks Pilates training can lead to increase PGC-1α and plasma Irisin and it can be stated that this type of training has a positive effect on converting white adipose tissue into brown adipose tissue and increasing exothermicity in the body.