Effect of six weeks of Pilates exercises on function of upper and lower extremities of middle-aged females with Lower crossed syndrome

Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of six weeks of Pilates exercises on upper and lower extremities function in middle-aged females with lower crossed syndrome. Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental research with pretest- post-test design. The participants were 30 females with lower crossed syndrome from Tiam Sport Club. They were selected using purposeful sampling method and divided into Pilates exercises and control groups randomly. The function of upper extremity was assessed using Y and Davies tests, and lower extremity function was assessed using side hop and square hop tests. The Pilates training program was implemented for 6 weeks, 3 days a week and each session lasted 30 minutes. Paired t-test and ANCOVA were used for data analysis at significance level of P≤ 0.05. Results: The results showed that the Pilates exercises group have a better performance in upper and lower extremities’ function tests compared to control group (P≤ 0.05). There was no significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores in the control group (P>0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results it can be concluded that Pilates exercises can improve upper and lower extremities’ function through enhancing strength and efficiency of core stabilizer muscles. Therefore, it seems rational to suggest physiotherapists and coaches to use these exercises in individuals with lower crossed syndrome.