Effects of 12 Weeks Pilates Exercise on Limb Isokinetic Strength, Serum Cortisol, and Health Related-Quality of Life in Obese Female College Students

This study was investigated the effects of 12 weeks Pilates exercise on limb isokinetic strength, serum cortisol, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in obese female college students. Twenty three subjects, aged 21.97±0.98 yrs, were randomly assigned into two groups: pilates exercise group (Pilates, n=12) and non-exercise control group (Control, n=12). The subjects in the pilates group participated in the pilates exercise program for 55-60 minutes a day, 3 days per week for 12 weeks. Body mass index (BMI) was measured by impedance method before and after experience period. The serum cortosol level was also collected before and after exercise. HRQL was measured by using the Medical Outcome Survey Short Form-36 version 1.0 before and after experience period. BMI was significantly decreased (p0.05) in pilates exercise group after 12 weeks, and then isokinetic peak torque was significantly increased (p0.05) between knee extension and flexion in pilates exercise group. Serum cortisol level was significantly decreased (p0.05) in pilates exercise group. Among the 8 domains of HRQL, 4 domains which involve physical functioning, vitality, role limitation physical, and role limitation emotional were significantly improved (p0.05) in pilates exercise group. These results suggest that prolonged pilates exercise improves BMI, muscle strength, cotisol level, HRQL of obese female college students.