The effect of eight weeks pilates training on plasma irisin levels and anthropometric parameters in overweight women

Background: Exercise training is always known as one of the most important workout strategies to treat and prevent fat accumulation, obesity and related diseases in all age groups. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of 8 weeks pilates training on resting levels of irisin and anthropometric obesity indexes in overweight middle-aged women.

Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 20 women with regular menstrual cycles and body mass index (30-25) were voluntarily chosen and randomly divided into two groups, Pilates and control. Pilates group trained 8 weeks, three time per week. Blood samples from participants were taken 12 hours before pre-test and also at the end of the exercise protocol after 48 hours of fasting state in two stages. Data were analyzed using the independent samples T-test and paired samples T-test (p<0.05).

Results: Paired t-test results for plasma irisin in training group showed a significant increase after 8 weeks pilates training (p=0.00). As well as the arms, abdomen, hips, thighs, weight and body mass index after training in the Pilates group was significantly reduced (p<0.05) and control group showed no significant change compared to the start of the study (p>0.05). Comparison of means between groups by independent t-test was significant only in irisin variable compared to the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: It seems Pilates exercise can effect on irisin plasma levels and anthropometric indexes in overweight women.