Contribution of Recreational Exercises to Balance and Muscle Strength in Osteoporosis Risk

Effects of Recreational Exercises (Swimming, Pilates, and Walking) on Muscle Strength and Balance in Women at Risk for Osteoporosis

This study aims to evaluate the effects of recreational exercises such as Pilates, swimming and walking on muscle strength and balance in women at risk of osteoporosis.

Study hypotheses:

H1: Pilates exercises will be more effective than walking exercises in improving muscle strength among women at risk of osteoporosis.

H2: Swimming exercises will be more effective than walking exercises in improving muscle strength among women at risk of osteoporosis.

H3: Pilates exercises will be more effective than walking exercises in improving balance among women at risk of osteoporosis.

H4: Swimming exercises will be more effective than walking exercises in improving balance among women at risk of osteoporosis.

H5: Pilates and swimming exercises will have similar effects on improving muscle strength and balance among women at risk of osteoporosis.

Participants were selected from among women who had previously been diagnosed with osteoporosis risk by a physician and who applied to the Isparta Merwellness Pilates gym for exercise.

The study is planned as a randomized controlled prospective trial. Participants were assigned to three groups using a computer-generated random number table (n=20).

Pilates Group: Mat Pilates was performed three days a week for 45 minutes. Swimming Group: Moderate-intensity swimming was performed 3 days a week for 40 minutes.

Walking Group: Brisk walking was performed 3 days a week for 45 minutes.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Having a sedentary lifestyle (not having exercised regularly in the past 6 months),
2. No musculoskeletal or neurological conditions that would prevent participation,
3. Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Use of medications affecting bone metabolism (e.g., bisphosphonates, corticosteroids),
2. History of fracture within the past 6 months,
3. Uncontrolled cardiovascular or metabolic diseases.