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NCT Number: NCT07642245

Effects of Pilates and Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Postpartum Weight Loss and Body Composition

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Postpartum Period

Age range

20 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ghurki Teaching Hospital

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Ghulam Fatima, PhD*

CONTACT

[email protected]

03034073057

About this study

After childbirth, many women find it hard to lose the extra weight they gained during pregnancy. This weight can affect their health, self-esteem, and ability to stay active. Regular exercise is a safe and natural way to help lose weight and improve fitness during the postpartum period. Two popular forms of exercise are Pilates and moderate-intensity aerobic exercises (like brisk walking or cycling).

This study aims to find out which type of exercise-Pilates or aerobic exercise- is more helpful for postpartum women in reducing body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio over a period of 8 weeks. To do this, women will be randomly divided into two groups. One group will do Pilates exercises, and the other group will do aerobic exercises. Both groups will exercise three times a week for about 45-60 minutes each session. At the end of 8 weeks, the results will be compared to see which type of exercise is more effective.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Women aged 20 to 40 years
  • BMI > 25kg/m2 at baseline
  • Medically cleared by a health professional to perform physical activity
  • Women 6 to 24 weeks postpartum

Exclusion criteria

  • Women with complications during delivery (Cesarean complications, perineal tears grade 3 or 4)
  • Presence of chronic disorders (diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, severe anemia)
  • Neuromusculoskeletal disorders affecting physical activity
  • Currently participating in another fitness program
  • Postpartum depression or other psychological disorders that may affect adherence

Treatment and study plan

Pilates

Other

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

Other

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Weight (kilograms) - measured using a calibrated weighing scale

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    Measured with a calibrated digital weighing scale. Participants will be weighed barefoot, wearing light clothing, after emptying their bladder. Reliable if calibrated regularly and used under standardized conditions (same scale, same time of day, light clothing, after voiding). Test-retest reliability > 0.97. Highly valid for measuring body weight; directly measures mass in kilogram. The scale's accuracy is typically within 0.1 kg.

  2. Body Mass Index (BMI)

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    Calculated by dividing weight (kg) by the square of height (m) (BMI = weight/height²). Height will be measured once at baseline with a stadiometer. Reliable when the procedure is standardized (barefoot, standing straight, head in Frankfort plane). Intra-observer reliability > 0.95. Valid anthropometric tool; stadiometers accurately reflect true stature when calibrated.

  3. Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR)

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    Calculated by dividing Waist by Hip (WHR = Waist cm / Hip cm). Reliable if both waist and hip are measured accurately with the same procedure. WHR is a well validated indicator of body-fat distribution and health-risk; a higher WHR is strongly associated with metabolic disorders

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Imran Amjad, PHD*

CONTACT

[email protected]

03324390125

Imran Amjad, PHD*

CONTACT

[email protected]

0515481826

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Pilates Versus Moderate Intensity Aerobic Exercises on Weight Loss, Body Mass Index and Waist to Hip Ratio in Postpartum Period.

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 11, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 11, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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