Core StabilityCSBF-PNCT07578714
Core Stability, Postural Balance, and Flexibility in Healthy Women: A Comparative Study Between Pilates Practitioners and Sedentary Individuals
An observational study of Core Stability and Postural Balance, run by Istinye University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study aims to compare core muscle stability, postural balance, and flexibility between healthy women who regularly practice Pilates and those with a sedentary lifestyle. The researcher will evaluate if long-term Pilates practice (5 months or more) leads to significant improvements in physical performance compared… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 45 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Core Stability, Postural Balance, Pilates, Core Stability
- How many people
- 55 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 13 May 2026to 13 Mar 2027
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 45 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Study population: Healthy adult women from the general community and Pilates studios in Istanbul, Turkey.
Who may be able to join
- Healthy female volunteers aged 20-45.
- For the Pilates group: having practiced mat Pilates, reformer Pilates, or any equipment-based Pilates discipline for at least 6 months; attending regular 60-minute sessions at least twice a week with a certified instructor.
- For the control group: having a sedentary lifestyle (weekly moderate physical activity time less than 150 minutes).
- Objectively demonstrating sedentary status using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); only participants in the "low physical activity" category will be included in the control group.
- Having full cognitive ability to understand, follow, and execute all physical assessment instructions.
- Willingness to voluntarily sign the informed consent form prior to the study.
Who cannot join
- History of any surgery involving the spine, pelvis, or lower extremities within the last 12 months prior to the study.
- Currently pregnant or less than 6 months postpartum.
- Diagnosed vestibular disorders or chronic clinical balance disorders.
- History of neurological disease (MS, Parkinson's, etc.) or systemic metabolic disorder (diabetes, etc.).
- Having a pain intensity greater than 2/10 on the visual analog scale (VAS) in the lower back or lower extremities.
- Professional sports history or participation in other exercise programs exceeding 3 hours per week (excluding Pilates for the Pilates group).
- Acute musculoskeletal injuries or acute illnesses that may affect energy levels on the day of evaluation.
- Concurrent participation in other intensive core strengthening programs such as "advanced yoga" that may affect results.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
WALA Abbas Mohammed TAHA, PT specialist contact
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Istinye University, Topkapi Campus
Istanbul, Zeytinburnu, 34010
WALA Abbas Mohammed TAHA PT. MSc student, PT Specialist,master's student, +905384112497 ext. +966565787745, 2433095066@stu.istinye.edu.tr
NALAN Soydaş. Assistant Professor,, PhD, +90 535 010 54 61, nalan.engin@istinye.edu.tr
About this study
This study aims to compare core muscle stability, postural balance, and flexibility between healthy women who regularly practice Pilates and those with a sedentary lifestyle. The researcher will evaluate if long-term Pilates practice (5 months or more) leads to significant improvements in physical performance compared to a lack of regular exercise. Assessment tools include the Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) for core activation, the McGill battery for endurance, the Y-Balance test for dynamic stability, and the Sit-and-Reach test for flexibility.
Read the detailed description
This cross-sectional comparative study involves 55 healthy female participants divided into two groups: a Pilates group (minimum 5 months of practice, twice weekly) and a sedentary control group (less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week). To ensure objectivity and high-quality data, an "Assessor Blinding" protocol will be implemented, where the investigator performing physical measurements remains unaware of the participants' group allocation.
Primary outcomes include:
- Deep muscle stabilization measured via a Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) in a prone position.
- Core endurance assessed using the McGill Core Endurance Battery (Flexor, Extensor, and Side Bridge tests).
- Dynamic postural balance evaluated through the Y-Balance Test (YBT) in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions.
- Static balance measured by the Single Leg Stance Test (SLST) with eyes open and closed.
- Hamstring and lower back flexibility assessed by the Sit and Reach Test. Statistical analysis will be performed using IBM SPSS version 26.0 to compare the outcomes between the two groups.
- Keywords
- Pilates, Flexibility, Trunk Muscle Endurance, Women's Health, Sedentary Behavior, Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU), Y-Balance Test, McGill Battery
- Medical subject headings
- Sedentary Behavior
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Pilates Group | Healthy women who have regularly practiced Pilates exercises for at least 5 months, with a minimum of two sessions per week. | |
| Sedentary Group | Healthy women with a sedentary lifestyle, defined as having less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week and no regular exercise routine in the past 3 months. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Deep Muscle Stabilization Pressure Biofeedback Device - PBU
Measurement of the transversus abdominis muscle activation using a Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU).isolation is confirmed by a drop in pressure of 4-10 mmHg from a 70 mmHg baseline, sustained for 10 seconds in prone position.
Measured: At the single assessment session (Day 1)
Core Muscle Endurance
Measured using the McGill Core Endurance Battery, including the Trunk Flexor, Trunk Extensor, and Side Bridge tests. Results are recorded as the duration (in seconds) the position is maintained.
Measured: At the single assessment session (Day 1)
Dynamic Postural Balance Y-Balance Test (YBT)
Assessed using the Y-Balance Test (YBT). The maximum reach distance in three directions (Anterior, Posteromedial, and Posterolateral) will be recorded in centimeters
Measured: At the single assessment session (Day 1)
Secondary outcomes (2)
Static Postural Balance Test or Single Leg Standing Test (SLST)
The participant should stand on their dominant leg with their hands on their hips. Conditions: The test is performed under two conditions: Eyes open and eyes closed.
Measurement: The time it takes to maintain this balance without putting the foot down or moving it is measured in seconds.
Measured: At the single assessment session (Day 1)
Lower Back and Hamstring Flexibility
ssessed using the Sit and Reach Test. The reach distance is measured in centimeters using a standard test box
Measured: At the single assessment session (Day 1)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 May 2026
- Study start13 May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion13 Mar 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (4)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Core StabilityStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 55 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istinye University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Wala Abbas Mohammed Taha, Istinye University
- Investigators
- NALAN Soydaş, PhD, Study director, Istinye University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07578714
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2026/53
- Acronym
- CSBF-P
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 3 May 2026
- Last updated
- 11 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of the participants, as per the ethical approval guidelines of Istinye University. The aggregated results will be published as part of the Master's thesis and potential academic publications.
Publications
Alshehre Y, Alkhathami K, Brizzolara K, Weber M, Wang-Price S. Reliability and Validity of the Y-balance Test in Young Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2021 Jun 1;16(3):628-635. doi: 10.26603/001c.23430.
PubMed 34123515Fallahasady E, Rahmanloo N, Seidi F, Rajabi R, Bayattork M. The relationship between core muscle endurance and functional movement screen scores in females with lumbar hyperlordosis: a cross-sectional study. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2022 Oct 13;14(1):182. doi: 10.1186/s13102-022-00567-2.
PubMed 36229857De Blaiser C, Roosen P, Willems T, De Bleecker C, Vermeulen S, Danneels L, De Ridder R. The role of core stability in the development of non-contact acute lower extremity injuries in an athletic population: A prospective study. Phys Ther Sport. 2021 Jan;47:165-172. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2020.11.035. Epub 2020 Nov 30.
PubMed 33302113Wells C, Kolt GS, Bialocerkowski A. Defining Pilates exercise: a systematic review. Complement Ther Med. 2012 Aug;20(4):253-62. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2012.02.005. Epub 2012 Mar 13.
PubMed 22579438
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 11 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Core Stability, Postural Balance, and Flexibility in Healthy Women: A Comparative Study Between Pilates Practitioners and Sedentary Individuals
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07578714
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CSBF-P / 2026/53
- Keywords
- Pilates, Flexibility, Trunk Muscle Endurance, Women's Health, Sedentary Behavior, Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU), Y-Balance Test, McGill Battery
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 55 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Istinye UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 13 May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 13 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 11 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study aims to compare core muscle stability, postural balance, and flexibility between healthy women who regularly practice Pilates and those with a sedentary lifestyle. The researcher will evaluate if long-term Pilates practice (5 months or more) leads to significant improvements in physical performance compared to a lack of regular exercise. Assessment tools include the Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) for core activation, the McGill battery for endurance, the Y-Balance test for dynamic stability, and the Sit-and-Reach test for flexibility.
Detailed description
This cross-sectional comparative study involves 55 healthy female participants divided into two groups: a Pilates group (minimum 5 months of practice, twice weekly) and a sedentary control group (less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week). To ensure objectivity and high-quality data, an "Assessor Blinding" protocol will be implemented, where the investigator performing physical measurements remains unaware of the participants' group allocation.
Primary outcomes include:
- Deep muscle stabilization measured via a Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) in a prone position.
- Core endurance assessed using the McGill Core Endurance Battery (Flexor, Extensor, and Side Bridge tests).
- Dynamic postural balance evaluated through the Y-Balance Test (YBT) in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions.
- Static balance measured by the Single Leg Stance Test (SLST) with eyes open and closed.
- Hamstring and lower back flexibility assessed by the Sit and Reach Test. Statistical analysis will be performed using IBM SPSS version 26.0 to compare the outcomes between the two groups.
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Pilates Group | – | –Healthy women who have regularly practiced Pilates exercises for at least 5 months, with a minimum of two sessions per week. |
| Sedentary Group | – | –Healthy women with a sedentary lifestyle, defined as having less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week and no regular exercise routine in the past 3 months. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 45 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- Healthy adult women from the general community and Pilates studios in Istanbul, Turkey.
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Healthy female volunteers aged 20-45.
- For the Pilates group: having practiced mat Pilates, reformer Pilates, or any equipment-based Pilates discipline for at least 6 months; attending regular 60-minute sessions at least twice a week with a certified instructor.
- For the control group: having a sedentary lifestyle (weekly moderate physical activity time less than 150 minutes).
- Objectively demonstrating sedentary status using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); only participants in the "low physical activity" category will be included in the control group.
- Having full cognitive ability to understand, follow, and execute all physical assessment instructions.
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- History of any surgery involving the spine, pelvis, or lower extremities within the last 12 months prior to the study.
- Currently pregnant or less than 6 months postpartum.
- Diagnosed vestibular disorders or chronic clinical balance disorders.
- History of neurological disease (MS, Parkinson's, etc.) or systemic metabolic disorder (diabetes, etc.).
- Having a pain intensity greater than 2/10 on the visual analog scale (VAS) in the lower back or lower extremities.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Deep Muscle Stabilization Pressure Biofeedback Device - PBU
Time frame: At the single assessment session (Day 1)
Measurement of the transversus abdominis muscle activation using a Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU).isolation is confirmed by a drop in pressure of 4-10 mmHg from a 70 mmHg baseline, sustained for 10 seconds in prone position.
Core Muscle Endurance
Time frame: At the single assessment session (Day 1)
Measured using the McGill Core Endurance Battery, including the Trunk Flexor, Trunk Extensor, and Side Bridge tests. Results are recorded as the duration (in seconds) the position is maintained.
Dynamic Postural Balance Y-Balance Test (YBT)
Time frame: At the single assessment session (Day 1)
Assessed using the Y-Balance Test (YBT). The maximum reach distance in three directions (Anterior, Posteromedial, and Posterolateral) will be recorded in centimeters
2 secondary outcomes
Static Postural Balance Test or Single Leg Standing Test (SLST)
Time frame: At the single assessment session (Day 1)
Lower Back and Hamstring Flexibility
Time frame: At the single assessment session (Day 1)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 11 May 2026.
- Background: PubMed 34123515Alshehre Y, Alkhathami K, Brizzolara K, Weber M, Wang-Price S. Reliability and Validity of the Y-balance Test in Young Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2021 Jun 1;16(3):628-635. doi: 10.26603/001c.23430.
- Results publication: PubMed 36229857Fallahasady E, Rahmanloo N, Seidi F, Rajabi R, Bayattork M. The relationship between core muscle endurance and functional movement screen scores in females with lumbar hyperlordosis: a cross-sectional study. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2022 Oct 13;14(1):182. doi: 10.1186/s13102-022-00567-2.
- Results publication: PubMed 33302113De Blaiser C, Roosen P, Willems T, De Bleecker C, Vermeulen S, Danneels L, De Ridder R. The role of core stability in the development of non-contact acute lower extremity injuries in an athletic population: A prospective study. Phys Ther Sport. 2021 Jan;47:165-172. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2020.11.035. Epub 2020 Nov 30.
- Results publication: PubMed 22579438Wells C, Kolt GS, Bialocerkowski A. Defining Pilates exercise: a systematic review. Complement Ther Med. 2012 Aug;20(4):253-62. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2012.02.005. Epub 2012 Mar 13.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of the participants, as per the ethical approval guidelines of Istinye University. The aggregated results will be published as part of the Master's thesis and potential academic publications.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
WALA Abbas Mohammed TAHA, PT specialist contact
NALAN Soydaş, PhD study director
Istinye University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Core Stability and Postural Balance, run by Istinye University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact WALA Abbas Mohammed TAHA, PT specialist (+905384112497 ext. +966565787745, 2433095066@stu.istinye.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Deep Muscle Stabilization Pressure Biofeedback Device - PBU (time frame: At the single assessment session (Day 1)). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07578714, which also lists 4 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 11 May 2026.