The Role of Focus Strategies on Pilates

The Role of Focus Strategies on Pilates Performance and Reaction Time: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aims of the randomized controlled study is compare to the effects of external and internal focus strategies, commonly used in Pilates, on participants' reaction time and performance metrics. Conducted over an 8-week Pilates program at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, we plan to include 25 participants in each focus group. Participants in the external focus group will use equipment to perform exercises, while the internal focus group will perform exercises with attention to body positioning.

The primary aim of this study is to examine the difference in effects between 8-week internally and externally focused Pilates exercises on the performance of young sedentary individuals. A secondary aim is to investigate the effects of internally and externally focused Pilates exercises on the physical characteristics and reaction time of young sedentary individuals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Volunteers aged between 18 and 30 years who have no musculoskeletal disabilities and are willing to exercise were included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Had any cardiovascular or musculoskeletal condition that would prevent them from exercising,
• Had an acute pain history of 5 or more on the visual analog scale in the past week,
• Had a systemic disease that would prevent exercise,
• Had a BMI of 30 or above,
• Had any issues that would hinder their ability to perceive or understand verbal commands, or had hearing problems.