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NCT Number: NCT07146724

The Effects of Pilates-based Exercises on the Posterior Leg Muscles

This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of a pilates-based exercise program on hamstring flexibility, plantar pressure sensation, and dynamic balance in university students aged 18 to 24 years.

Participants diagnosed with hamstring tightness through the Sit and Reach test will be randomly assigned to an exercise group and a control group. The intervention group will undergo an 8-week pilates-based home and supervised exercise program. Outcomes will be evaluated before and after the intervention using Sit and Reach, monofilament sensory testing, and the Y Balance Test.

The study seeks to identify whether a non-invasive physical activity like pilates can improve neuromuscular and sensory parameters in young adults.

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Key information

Conditions

Exercise Therapy

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Yalova University faculty of health science department of physiotherapy and rehabilitation

Yalova, 77200, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

Aged between 18-24 years

Enrolled students at Yalova University

Diagnosed with hamstring shortening (measured via Sit and Reach Test)

Willing to participate voluntarily and provide informed consent

Not currently participating in any regular exercise program -

Exclusion criteria

Diagnosed with hypermobility syndrome

History of orthopedic surgery in the lower extremities in the past 6 months

Neurological or musculoskeletal diseases affecting mobility

Having systemic chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, MS)

Currently under physiotherapy or similar treatment

Unwilling or unable to follow the 8-week intervention schedule

Treatment and study plan

Exercise

Other

The intervention consists of a pilates-based exercise program specifically designed to target hamstring flexibility, plantar pressure sensitivity, and dynamic balance.

Unlike general fitness-oriented pilates, this program includes a combination of mat-based and functional pilates movements adapted to improve posterior chain flexibility and sensory feedback in the lower extremities.

The protocol includes 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks - 1 session conducted face-to-face under physiotherapist supervision and 2 sessions as a monitored home exercise. Exercise progression is standardized, and all sessions follow a validated physiotherapy protocol tailored for university-aged individuals with clinically measured hamstring shortening.

Primary outcomes

Hamstring Flexibility

Time frame: 8 weeks

Hamstring flexibility will be measured using the Sit and Reach Test. Participants will perform the test at baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention period.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Yalova

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effects of Pilates-Based Exercises on Hamstring Flexibility, Plantar Pressure Sensation, and Dynamic Balance

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Aug 28, 2025
Registry last updated: Aug 28, 2025

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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