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September 17, 2026SportsOpen Access

Effects of Pilates Programs on Body Composition, Flexibility, Muscular Strength, Balance, Functional Performance and Respiratory Function in Adult Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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Authors

ČBČedomir BajčetićVRVojin RudovićMNMilica Novaković

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Overview

Systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates reductions in body mass index and improved flexibility in adult women, highlighting Pilates as an effective tool for targeted physical fitness.

Key Points

  • To evaluate the specific effects of structured Pilates programs on health-related physical fitness components, including body composition, flexibility, and muscular strength, in adult women.
  • Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to January 21, 2026, adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
  • Synthesized 12 studies published between 2007 and 2025 comprising approximately 540 female participants using random-effects meta-analytic models.
  • Pilates led to significant reductions in body mass index (MD = −1.22; 95% CI: −1.83 to −0.61; p < 0.001) and body weight (MD = −3.99 kg; 95% CI: −6.30 to −1.67; p = 0.0007).
  • Sit-and-reach flexibility improved significantly following the intervention (SMD = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.94; p < 0.001).
  • No statistically significant pooled effects were observed for body fat percentage, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, lean body mass, handgrip strength, or vertical jump.

Cite This Study

Bajčetić et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6aabb7e75f706d05830e744dhttps://doi.org/10.3390/sports14090407
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Also Consider

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  1. 1Pilates improves physical performance and decreases risk of falls in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis2021 · 47 citations
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  4. 4EFFECTS OF PILATES EXERCISES AND WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION EXERCISES TRAINING ON BODY COMPOSITION, FLEXIBILITY, AND BALANCE IN HEALTHY WOMEN: RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED PILOT STUDY2024