1
Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Kahramanmaraş, Turkiye
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.
Keywords
Plates,exercise,earthquake
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
📄Ağargün, M.Y., Kara, H., & Anlar, Ö. (1996). Pittsburgh uyku kalitesi indeksinin geçerliği ve güvenirliği. Turk Psikiyatri Dergisi, 7, 107-115.
📄Akar, S. (2013). The impact of natural disasters on public finance and macroeconomy: Turkey case. Journal of Management and Economics Research, 21, 185-206.
📄Aktürk, Z., Dağdeviren, N., Türe, M., & Tuğlu, C. (2005). Birinci basamak için Beck Depresyon Tarama Ölçeği’nin Türkçe çeviriminin geçerlik ve güvenirliği. Turkish Journal of Family Practice, 9(3), 117-122.
📄Alderman, B. L., Olson, R. L., Brush, C. J., & Shors, T. J. (2016). MAP training: combining meditation and aerobic exercise reduces depression and rumination while enhancing synchronized brain activity. Translational Psychiatry, 6(2), e726-e726. https://doi.org/10.1038/tp.2015.225
📄Asefi, M., & Farrokhi, S. (2018). Proposing a model for the design of post-disaster temporary housing based on the needs of the injured with post-implementation evaluation approach (Case study: Earthquake-stricken villages in heris of east Azerbaijan). Journal of Research and Rural Planning, 7(1), 81-101. https://doi.org/10.22067/jrrp.v7i1.64121
📄Bayrakdar, A., Demirhan, B., & Zorba, E. (2019). The effect of calisthenics exercises of performed on stable and unstable ground on body fat percentage and performance in swimmers. MANAS Sosyal Araştırmalar Dergisi, 8(3), 2979-2992. https://doi.org/10.33206/mjss.541847
📄Bayrakdar, A., Kılınç Boz, H., & Işıldar, Ö. (2020). The investigation of the effect of static and dynamic core training on performance on football players. Turkish Journal of Sport and Exercise, 22(1), 87-95. https://doi.org/10.15314/tsed.689994
📄Beck, A. T., Steer, R. A., & Brown, G. K. (1996). Beck depression inventory manual. The Psychological Corporation. San Antonio, TX, 785-791.
📄Bertoli, J., Bezerra, E. D. S., Winters-Stone, K. M., Alberto Gobbo, L., & Freitas, I. F. (2023). Mat Pilates improves lower and upper body strength and flexibility in breast cancer survivors undergoing hormone therapy: a randomized controlled trial (HAPiMat study). Disability and Rehabilitation, 45(3), 494-503. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2022.2032410
📄Bulhões, L. C. C., Gomes, S. R. A., da Silva, V. D., de Azevedo Rodolfo, J. I., de Brito Macedo, L., & Brasileiro, J. S. (2024). Effects of a mat Pilates-based exercise program for low back pain in helicopter pilots of the Brazilian Air Force: Randomized controlled trial. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 39, 544-549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.03.052
📄Bullo, V., Bergamin, M., Gobbo, S., Sieverdes, J. C., Zaccaria, M., Neunhaeuserer, D., & Ermolao, A. (2015). The effects of Pilates exercise training on physical fitness and wellbeing in the elderly: A systematic review for future exercise prescription. Preventive Medicine, 75, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2015.03.002
📄Buysse, D. J., Charles, F., Reynolds, C. F., Mak, T. H., Berman, S. R., & Kupfer, D. J. (1989). The pittsburg sleep quality index: A new intrument for psychiatric practice and research. Psychiatry Research, 28(7), 193-213. https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-1781(89)90047-4
📄Chekroud, S. R., Gueorguieva, R., Zheutlin, A. B., Paulus, M., Krumholz, H. M., Krystal, J. H., … et al. (2018). Association between physical exercise and mental health in 1· 2 million individuals in the USA between 2011 and 2015: A cross-sectional study. The lancet psychiatry, 5(9), 739-746. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30227-X
📄Chou, F. H. C., Chou, P., Su, T. T. P., Ou-Yang, W. C., Chien, I. C., Lu, M. K., … et al. (2004). Quality of life and related risk factors in a Taiwanese Village population 21 months after an earthquake. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 38(5), 358-364. https://doi.org/10.1080/j.1440-1614.2004.01364.x
📄Curi, V. S., Vilaça, J., Haas, A. N., & Fernandes, H. M. (2018). Effects of 16-weeks of Pilates on health perception and sleep quality among elderly women. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 74, 118-122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2017.10.012
📄Çorapçıoğlu, A., Yargıç, İ., Geyran, P., & Kocabaşoğlu, N. (2006). Olayların Etkisi Ölçeği (IES-R) Türkçe versiyonunun geçerlilik ve güvenilirliği. Yeni Symposium Journal, 44(1), 14–22.
📄De Souza Cavina, A. P., Junior, E. P., Machado, A. F., Biral, T. M., Lemos, L. K., Rodrigues, C. R. D., ... et al. (2020). Effects of the mat pilates method on body composition: systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 17(6), 673-681. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2019-0171
📄Demirbağ, S., & Ergin, D. (2024). Türkiye’deki Kahramanmaraş deprem felaketinden sonra hemşirelik öğrencilerinin başa çıkma öz-yeterliği ve motivasyon düzeyleri. Celal Bayar Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü Dergisi, 11(4), 508-515. https://doi.org/10.34087/cbusbed.1346875
📄Ehring, T., Razik, S., & Emmelkamp, P. M. (2011). Prevalence and predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and burnout in Pakistani earthquake recovery workers. Psychiatry research, 185(1-2), 161-166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2009.10.018
📄Felix, E., Hernández, L. A., Bravo, M., Ramirez, R., Cabiya, J., & Canino, G. (2011). Natural disaster and risk of psychiatric disorders in Puerto Rican children. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 39, 589-600. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-010-9483-1
📄Fess, E. E. (1992). Grip strength. In J. S. Casanova (Ed.), Clinical assessment recommendations (2nd ed., pp. 41–45). American Society of Hand Therapists.
📄Fourie, M., Gildenhuys, G. M., Shaw, I., Shaw, B. S., Toriola, A. L., & Goon, D. T. (2013). Effects of a mat Pilates programme on body composition in elderly women. West Indian Medicine Journal, 62(6), 524-528.
📄Greco, F., Tarsitano, M. G., Cosco, L. F., Quinzi, F., Folino, K., Spadafora, M., … et al. (2024). The effects of online home-based pilates combined with diet on body composition in women affected by obesity: A preliminary study. Nutrients, 16(6), 902. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16060902
📄Güler, M., & Başkara, N. (2024). Rumınatıon and Physıcal Actıvıty Enjoyment in the Long Term After the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake. International Journal of Sport Culture and Science, 12(4), 490-501. https://doi.org/10.14486/IntJSCS.2024.730
📄Gümüş, B., & Çakır, E. (2023). Deprem yaşayan genç bireylerin fiziksel aktiviteye katılım motivasyonu ve sağlıklı beslenme düzeyinin incelenmesi. Kafkas Üniversitesi Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 3(4), 15-30.
📄Harada, N., Shigemura, J., Tanichi, M., Kawaida, K., Takahashi, S., & Yasukata, F. (2015). Mental health and psychological impacts from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster: A systematic literature review. Disaster and Military Medicine, 1, 1-12. http://doi.org/10.1186/s40696-015-0008-x
📄Ikezaki, F., Krueger, E., & de Souza Guerino Macedo C (2021). Performance, reliability and fatigue in prone bridge test and supine unilateral bridge test. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 26, 238–245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.08.008
📄İmamoğlu, M., & Özdenk, S. (2019). The effect of 12-week regular pilates, step and zumba training program on muscle and fat weigh. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 7(11). 33-39. https://doi.org/10.11114/jets.v7i11.4421
📄Jorge, M. S. G., Nepomuceno, P., Schneider, R. H., & Wibelinger, L. M. (2025). Eight weeks of Pilates Method improves physical fitness and sleep quality of individuals with post-COVID-19 syndrome: A randomized clinical trial blinded. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 41, 238-245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.11.037
📄Kabasakal, S. A. (2025). The effects of a 6-week pilates exercises on quality of life, depression, and musculoskeletal disorders in menopausal women. The European Research Journal, 11(2), 296-303. https://doi.org/10.18621/eurj.1603630
📄Karasar, N. (2016). Bilimsel araştırma yöntemi, (31. Basım) Ankara: Nobel Akademik Yayıncılık.
📄Kocahan, T., Akınoğlu, B., & Özkan, T. (2017). Sporcularda kor kaslarının statik ve dinamik dayanıklılığı arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi. Online Türk Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, 2(3), 13-22. https://doi.org/10.26453/otjhs.315690
📄Koçyiğit, H., Aydemir, Ö., Ölmez, N., & Memiş, A. (1999). SF-36 Yaşam kalitesi ölçeğinin Türk popülasyonunda geçerlik ve güvenirliği. İlaç ve Tedavi Dergisi, 12(2), 102-106.
📄Lacchini, S., De Oliveira, P. R., Alves, T. P., Dias, D. D. S., Busse, A. L., … et al. (2022). Pilates method improves physical capacity and anti-oxidative system in elderly women. Journal of Hypertension, 40(Suppl 1), e65. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.hjh.0000835800.37810.29
📄Lavadera, P., Millon, E.M., & Shors, T.J. (2020). MAP train my brain: meditation combined with aerobic exercise reduces stress and rumination while enhancing quality of life in medical students. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 26(5), 418-423. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2019.0281
📄Leopoldino, A. A. O., Avelar, N. C. P., Passos Jr, G. B., Santana Jr, N. Á. P., Teixeira Jr, V. P., & de Melo Vitorino, D. F. (2013). Effect of Pilates on sleep quality and quality of life of sedentary population. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 17(1), 5-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2012.10.001
📄Norton, K., & Olds, T. (1996). Anthropometrica: A textbook of body measurement for sports and health courses. UNSW Press.
📄Özel, G., & Solmaz, A. (2012). Türkiye’de deprem tekrarlanma zamanının tahmini ve neotektonik bölgelere göre depremselliğin Markov zinciri ile incelenmesi. Çankaya University Journal of Science and Engineering, 9(2), 125-138.
📄Parveen, A., Kalra, S., Awasthi, S., Ajmera, P., Rai, R. H., Miraj, M., ... et al. (2024). Effect of Mat Pilates intervention on sleep quality in adolescent girls: A single blinded randomised controlled trial. Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, 30, 101791. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cegh.2024.101791
📄Pereira, M. J., Dias, G., Mendes, R., Mendes, R. S., Martins, F., Gomes, R., ... et al. (2022). Efficacy of Pilates in functional body composition: A systematic review. Applied Sciences, 12(15), 7523. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12157523
📄Ravari, A., Mirzaei, T., Bahremand, R., Raeisi, M., & Kamiab, Z. (2020). The effect of Pilates exercise on the happiness and depression of elderly women: A clinical trial study. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 61(1), 131-139. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.20.10730-8
📄Ren, Z. J., Deng, H., & Hsu, L. G. (2011). PTSD in a one year old girl after the Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan, China. Psychiatry, 74(1), 87-92.
📄Saltan, A., & Ankaralı, H. (2021). Does Pilates effect on depression status, pain, functionality, and quality of life in university students? A randomized controlled study. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 57(1), 198-205. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppc.12547
📄Segal, N. A., Hein, J., & Basford, J. R. (2004). The effects of Pilates training on flexibility and body composition: An observational study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 85(12), 1977–1981. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2004.01.036
📄Sekendiz, B., Altun, Ö., Korkusuz, F., & Akin, S. (2007). Effects of Pilates exercise on trunk strength, endurance and flexibility in sedentary adult females. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 11(4), 318–326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2006.12.002
📄Şavkin, R., & Biçer Aslan, U. (2016). The effect of Pilates exercise on body composition in sedentary overweight and obese women. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 57(11), 1464-1470. https://doi.org/10.23736/s0022-4707.16.06465-3
📄Taşpınar, G., Angın, E., & Oksüz, S. (2023). The effects of Pilates on pain, functionality, quality of life, flexibility and endurance in lumbar disc herniation. Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research, 12(1), e220144. https://doi.org/10.2217/cer-2022-0144
📄Thordardottir, K., Gudmundsdóttir, R., Zoëga, H., Valdimarsdóttir, U., & Gudmundsdottir, B. (2014). Effects of yoga practice on stress-related symptoms in the aftermath of an earthquake: A community-based controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 22(2), 226-34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2014.01.008
📄Tomata, Y., Sato, N., Kogure, M., Suto, S., Imai, Y., Aoki, H., ... et al. (2015). Health effects of interventions to promote physical activity in survivors of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. A longitudinal study. Nihon Koshu Eisei Zasshi, 62(2), 66-72. https://doi.org/10.11236/jph.62.2_66
📄Tsuji, T., Sasaki, Y., Matsuyama, Y., Sato, Y., Aida, J., Kondo, K., … et al. (2017). Reducing depressive symptoms after the Great East Japan Earthquake in older survivors through group exercise participation and regular walking: A prospective observational study. BMJ Open, 7(3), e013706. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013706
📄Wang, X., Gao, L., Zhang, H., Zhao, C., Shen, Y., & Shinfuku, N. (2000). Post‐earthquake quality of life and psychological well‐being: Longitudinal evaluation in a rural community sample in northern China. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 54(4), 427-433. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-1819.2000.00732.x
📄Wang, Y., Chen, Z., Wu, Z., Ye, X., & Xu, X. (2021). Pilates for overweight or obesity: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Physiology, 12, 643455. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.643455
📄Weiss, D. S., & Marmar, C. R. (1997). The Impact of Event Scale – Revised. In J. P. Wilson & T. M. Keane (Eds.), Assessing psychological trauma and PTSD (s. 399–411). Guilford Press.
📄World Health Organization. (2000). Obesity: Preventing and managing the global epidemic (WHO Technical Report Series No. 894). World Health Organization.
📄Xie, W., Lu, D., Liu, S., Li, J., & Li, R. (2024). The optimal exercise intervention for sleep quality in adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Preventive Medicine, 107955. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.107955
📄Zaras, N., Kavvoura, A., Gerolemou, S., & Hadjicharalambous, M. (2023). Pilates-mat training and detraining: Effects on body composition and physical fitness in pilates-trained women. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 36, 38-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.05.002
📄Zhang, Y., Tang, X., Liu, D., Taymaz, T., Eken, T., Guo, R., ... et al. (2023). Geometric controls on cascading rupture of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake doublet. Nature Geoscience, 16(11), 1054-1060. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01283-3
📄Zhang, Z., Wang, T., Kuang, J., Herold, F., Ludyga, S., Li, J., ... et al. (2022). The roles of exercise tolerance and resilience in the effect of physical activity on emotional states among college students. International journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, 22(3), 100312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijchp.2022.100312
📄Zhilan, X., Jin, W., Hong, Z., Qiuwen, T., Xiao, L. V., & Fangbing, Y. A. N. (2011). A bibliometric analysis on post-earthquake health issue related literature. Chinese Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine, 11(5), 483-488. https://doi.org/10.7507/1672-2531.20110085
📄Zschucke, E., Gaudlitz, K., & Ströhle, A. (2013). Exercise and physical activity in mental disorders: clinical and experimental evidence. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, 46(Suppl 1), 12-21. https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2013.46.S.S12
