Pilates modality and well-being: A comparative evaluation of socio-demographic and quality-of-life indicators in women

Due to the everyday life stress, many individuals seek to enhance their quality of life (QoL) through physical activities that engage the whole body. Among the increasingly available techniques, the Pilates method stands out as a therapeutic and preventive model with the potential to improve QoL. The aim of this study was to examine and compare socio-demographic characteristics and QoL of women practicing Mat Pilates (MP , n=38) and Reformer Pilates (RP , n=38), aged 21-67. The analyzed baseline characteristics included age, anthropometric indicators (body height, body mass, BMI), age at menarche and menopause, duration of a single training session, and perceived exertion according to Borg's scale. Additionally, socio-demographic factors and Pilates-related variables were collected, while QoL was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. The obtained results showed statistically significant between-group differences (p<0.05) only in participants' age and perceived exertion. Nevertheless, RP participants showed slightly higher QoL scores in the physical health domain (16.48±1.90 vs. 15.93±1.94), environment domain (14.33±2.30 vs. 14.09±1.96), and overall perceptions of QoL and general health (15.42±2.54 vs. 15.05±2.36). MP participants, however, scored marginally higher in psychological health (15.75±1.96 vs. 15.32±2.73) and social relationships (15.33±2.03 vs. 15.19±2.85). Overall, both groups expressed satisfaction with their QoL, with the highest levels noted in the physical health domain and the lowest in the environment domain. These findings across socio-demographic factors and QoL domains suggest that both Pilates modalities are positively associated with life quality in adult women.