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Effects of Pilates and Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Postpartum Weight Loss and Body Composition
Sponsor: Riphah International University
Summary
After childbirth, many women experience difficulty losing pregnancy-related weight, which can affect their health, self-esteem, and physical activity. Regular exercise, including Pilates and moderate-intensity aerobic exercises, is considered a safe and natural method to improve fitness and support weight loss during the postpartum period. This study aims to compare the effects of Pilates and aerobic exercise on body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio in postpartum women over 8 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a Pilates group or an aerobic exercise group, with both groups exercising three times weekly for 45-60 minutes. The results will then be compared to determine which exercise method is more effective.
Official title: Effects of Pilates Versus Moderate Intensity Aerobic Exercises on Weight Loss, Body Mass Index and Waist to Hip Ratio in Postpartum Period.
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
20 Years - 40 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2025-04-02
Completion Date
2026-10-15
Last Updated
2026-06-11
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Pilates
Pilates Group Type of Exercise: Mat-based Pilates focusing on core stability, breathing control, flexibility, and pelvic floor strengthening. Structure: Warm-up (10 mins): Light mobility and breathing exercises; Main Session (30-40 mins): Pelvic tilts, bridging, leg stretches, roll-ups, side-lying series; Focus on posture, controlled movement, and core engagement; Cool-down (5-10 mins): Gentle stretching and relaxation. Progression: Gradual increase in intensity and complexity over 8 weeks. Supervision: Sessions led by a trained physiotherapist or certified Pilates instructor.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic Exercise Group Type of Exercise: Moderate intensity aerobic training (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, or low-impact dance routines). Intensity: 50-70% of maximum heart rate (monitored using Rate of Perceived Exertion Scale 11-13 on Borg Scale). Structure: Warm-up (10 mins): Marching in place, arm circles, step touch; Main Session (30-40 mins): Rhythmic aerobic routines or treadmill walking; Cool-down (5-10 mins): Stretching major muscle groups. Supervision: Sessions conducted under the guidance of a physiotherapist or fitness instructor.
Locations (1)
Ghurki Teaching Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan