A Comparative Study on the effectiveness of Wall-Based Pilates and Conventional Pilates in Enhancing Core Strength and Stability among Sedentary University students

Background: Core strength is crucial for posture, balance, and injury prevention. Young university students, due to prolonged sitting, often exhibit weak core muscles and poor posture. Pilates is a popular intervention for core activation, but the efficacy of wall-based Pilates exercises compared to conventional Pilates remains unclear. Pilates is an effective method for core training, but comparative data between Wall Pilates and Conventional Pilates is limited. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Wall Pilates and Conventional Pilates on core strength and stability in sedentary university students. Methods: A randomized controlled trial with 362 university students aged 18–25 years was identified. Participants were randomized to either Wall Pilates (n=178) or Conventional Pilates (n=184). Both groups trained thrice weekly for 12 weeks. Core strength and endurance was assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Kraus-Weber Test. Results: At the end of the 12-week intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in core strength endurance as measured by the Kraus-Weber Test. The Wall Pilates group demonstrated a greater increase in mean scores, rising from a baseline mean of 2.1±0.8 to 5.3±0.6 post-intervention. The Conventional Pilates group improved from a baseline mean of 2.0±0.7 to 4.6±0.7. Statistical analysis revealed that the Wall Pilates group’s post-test scores were significantly higher than those of the Conventional Pilates group (p < 0.01), indicating superior gains in core strength endurance with the wall-based approach. No adverse events were reported in either group during the study. Conclusion: Both Pilates methods improved core endurance. However, Wall Pilates is more effective than conventional Pilates in enhancing core endurance among sedentary young adults. Universities should consider integrating wall-based exercises into wellness programs