The impact of 10 weeks of Pilates exercises on the thoracic and lumbar curvatures of female college students

A normal spine plays an important role in many human functions. The spine abnormally curved may include back pain, reducing mobility and stability. So, measuring the degree of spinal curvature and correcting them is very important. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of 10 weeks of Pilates exercises on the thoracic and lumbar curvatures of female college students residing in dorms. In this study experimental and applied 15 female students of University dormitories with hyperkyphosis and hyperlordosis were selected in an available samples manner. Spine Curvatures of volunteer students after completing the consent form and inclusion criteria were measured using a flexible ruler. From T2 to T12 vertebrae to determine thoracic deviation and from T12 and S2 vertebrae to determination of lumbar deflection was used. Pilates exercises duration 10 weeks 2 sessions per week and 1.5 h per session for abnormalities of hyperkyphosis and hyperlordosis were performed. Fifteen students participated in all of the Pilates training sessions. The mean of students’ thoracic and lumbar angles were 49.31 and 52.96 respectively. The results of Pilates exercises showed that on average 13.68 degrees of hyperkyphosis and 10.79 degrees of hyperlordosis were improved in students. Weight, height, and body mass index were effective factors on the thoracic or lumbar spine abnormalities. Pilates practice based on the scientific principles of therapeutic planning can be effectively used to correct kyphosis and lordosis malformations of female students.