Effects of Clinical Pilates on Pain and Quality of Life in Women With Dyspareunia

The Effects of Clinical Pilates Exercises on Pain, Self-Esteem, Body Image, Depression and Quality of Life in Women With Dyspareunia

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of clinical Pilates exercises on pain, self-esteem, body image, depression, and quality of life in women with dyspareunia. The study addresses dyspareunia as a multifaceted health problem with psychological, social as well as physical implications. it evaluates the effects of pelvic floor-focused clinical Pilates interventions on physiological symptoms and psychosocial well-being. it also demonstrates this approach as effective, safe, and evidence-based method in the treatment of dyspareunia among women in Turkish society.

A total of 20 women with dyspareunia were included in the study. The participants were divided into two groups: the Pilates group (n = 10) and the control group (n = 10). The Pilates group underwent a clinical Pilates exercise program including pelvic floor exercises, supervised by a physiotherapist, 3 days per week for 8 weeks, while no intervention was applied to the control group. Assessments were conducted before and after the program using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Carol Postpartum Sexual Function and Dyspareunia Evaluation Scale (CPCFDDÖ), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the Body Image Scale (BIS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female participants aged 18-55 years
• Sexually active
• Willing to participate in the study
• No communication problems
• Experiencing dyspareunia

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having respiratory or neurological problems
• Being pregnant
• History of urogenital surgery