The effect of selected Pilates exercises on some respiratory parameters of obese sedentary women

Obesity has adverse effects on respiratory mechanisms and is considered as a risk factor for respiratory problems. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the selected Pilates exercise program on some respiratory parameters of obese sedentary women.
In this randomized experimental study with pre- and post-test design, 24 inactive obese women (with the mean age 38.4±8.61 years and BMI 35.6±2.95 kg/m2) were randomly divided into two groups of exercise (n=15) and control (n=9). The experimental group participated in a Pilates training program) 8 weeks, 3 times per week), while the control group did not participate in any training program. Some respiratory parameters were measured before and after the training program by a spirometer.
The results showed that Pilates training increased vital capacity (IVC) by 10%, inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) by 19%, expiratory reserve volume (ERV) by 51% , tidal volume (VT) by 29%, peak expiratory flow (PEF) by 88%, peak inspiratory flow (PIF) by 28%, maximum expiratory flow 25 (MEF25) by 55%, maximum expiratory flow 50 (MEF50) by 63%, maximum expiratory flow 75 (MEF75) by 89%, maximum expiratory flow 75-85 (MEF75-85) by 93% , which this increase was not significant in the IRV and VT indexes.
It seems that Pilates exercises can increase the performance of the respiratory muscles in obese sedentary women and improve lung function by increasing some respiratory parameters.