The Effect of Pilates Exercise on Anxiety in Students of Department of Medical Emergency- A Clinical Trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND Anxiety phenomenon is not new, and humans have experienced it with every culture and in all ages. Based on literature review, Pilates is a time-and cost-effective sport and more enlivening as compared to other methods for alleviating anxiety and is more acceptable to the students. Considering limited number of studies in this regard, the present trial was carried out to explore the effects of Pilates on anxiety in students of department of medical emergency in Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences. METHODS This clinical trial was conducted on 62 students of department of medical emergency. After accessible sampling, the subjects were randomly allocated to the two groups of intervention and control. In the experimental group, Pilates was performed during two 60 minutes sessions per week for 8 weeks with the help of an instructor. The collected data was analysed using descriptive (mean, standard, percent and frequency) and interpretive tests. SPSS Ver.14 used for data analysis. A chi-square test was used for comparison of two groups. RESULTS The mean and SD score of obvious anxiety before the intervention were 52.74± 7.41 and 52.48± 7.27 in experimental and control groups, respectively. However, after the intervention, the mean± SD score of obvious anxiety were 49.63± 7.39 and 51.81± 7.16 in experimental and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study showed the positive effect of Pilates on the improvement of anxiety among students of department of medical emergency. Therefore, it is recommended as an appealing technique without side effects to reduce anxiety among university students.