Designing an intervention program over the effects of Pilates on pregnancy outcomes among the pregnant women: A protocol study

Background: Pregnancy is a pleasure for most women, it is often considered as a stressful period with physiological, anatomical, biochemical, and psychological changes. Pilates exercise improved quality of life in women. Therefore, the present study targeted at designing an intervention program over the effects of Pilates on pregnancy outcomes among the pregnant women. Methods: In this protocol, a clinical intervention will be designed in three phases. In the first phase of the study, a researcher-made checklist will be used to evaluate the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes based on the literature review. In the second phase, an intervention program of Pilates exercise will be conducted according to different studies and viewpoints of a panel of reproductive health and physical activity specialists. The exercises will include two sessions of 30 minutes per week for 12 weeks conducted under the supervision of a qualified trainer. The third phase of the intervention will include the pre-test and post-test using a standard questionnaire and a researcher-made checklist for the two intervention groups and one control group. Discussions: The present study provides useful data regarding the design of a Pilates exercise intervention program for pregnant women with the aim of influencing pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, reducing depression, low back pain and improving maternal mental health. It can also reduce their medical and treatment costs. The strategies of this program could be important and cost effective, and therefore we hope that the success of such a program is a step forward in improving reproductive health status