Post-crisis recovery: The role of pilates exercises in the recovery of earthquake victims

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70736/ijoess.1750

Keywords:

Plates, exercise, earthquake

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of a Pilates-based exercise program on physical fitness, psychological well-being, and quality of life in individuals who have experienced trauma after an earthquake. Participants' anthropometric measurements, flexibility, prone bridge, side bridge, handgrip strength, sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), depression level (Beck Depression Inventory), quality of life (SF-36 Health Survey), and the impact of traumatic events (Impact of Events Scale – Revised, IES-R) were assessed in the pre-test and post-test phases. The study was conducted with a total of 30 participants, including an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15). The experimental group underwent Pilates exercises twice a week for 8 weeks, while the control group received no intervention. The data obtained from the study were analyzed using the SPSS 27 software package. The data were analyzed using pre-test and post-test comparisons, and it was determined that Pilates application resulted in significant improvements in the experimental group (p<0.05). The most notable improvements were observed in flexibility, prone bridge, side bridge, and depression scores. In addition, significant increases in quality of life and sleep quality were observed (p<0.05). While significant improvements were observed in depression, trauma impact, sleep quality, and quality of life scores in the experimental group, these changes were either minimal or negative in the control group. The differences between the groups were found to be statistically significant in all measurements (p<0.001). In conclusion, it was concluded that Pilates may be effective in restoring physiological balance after trauma and improving an individual's psychological well-being. In this context, it is recommended that low-impact exercises such as Pilates be included in rehabilitation processes following natural disasters.

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Published

2025-09-30

How to Cite

Atici, M. (2025). Post-crisis recovery: The role of pilates exercises in the recovery of earthquake victims. International Journal of Eurasia Social Sciences, 16(61), 1355–1372. https://doi.org/10.70736/ijoess.1750