Researchers at the University of Evora, in Portugal, measured the effect of Pilates-based mat exercises on life satisfaction, and perception of health status in healthy women.

First, the details.

• 62 healthy adult women were randomly assigned to a treatment group for 6 months.
  • Pilates-based mat exercises twice per week, 60-minutes per session
  • Control group
• Life satisfaction, perception of appreciation by other people, perception of physical appearance, perception of functionality, total physical self-concept, and perception of health status were measured.

And, the results.

• The Pilates group showed significant improvements at 6 months in life satisfaction, perception of appreciation by other people, perception of physical appearance, perception of functionality, total physical self-concept, perception of health status.
• Between 3 and 6 months there was significant improvement in life satisfaction, perception of appreciation by other people, perception of physical appearance, perception of functionality, and total physical self-concept.

The bottom line?

Perception of life improves with Pilates, according to the results of this study.

5/9/11 21:51 JR