An interventional study of Pilates and Aerobic Exercise in Postpartum Period, sponsored by Riphah International University. Recruiting at 1 site in Pakistan. Open to female participants aged 20 Years to 40 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-06-11.
Sponsored by Riphah International University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
After childbirth, many women experience difficulty losing pregnancy-related weight, which can affect their health, self-esteem, and physical activity. Regular exercise, including Pilates and moderate-intensity aerobic exercises, is considered a safe and natural method to improve fitness and support weight loss during the postpartum period. This study aims to compare the effects of Pilates and aerobic exercise on body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio in postpartum women over 8 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a Pilates group or an aerobic exercise group, with both groups exercising three times weekly for 45-60 minutes. The results will then be compared to determine which exercise method is more effective.
After childbirth, many women find it hard to lose the extra weight they gained during pregnancy. This weight can affect their health, self-esteem, and ability to stay active. Regular exercise is a safe and natural way to help lose weight and improve fitness during the postpartum period. Two popular forms of exercise are Pilates and moderate-intensity aerobic exercises (like brisk walking or cycling).
This study aims to find out which type of exercise-Pilates or aerobic exercise- is more helpful for postpartum women in reducing body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio over a period of 8 weeks. To do this, women will be randomly divided into two groups. One group will do Pilates exercises, and the other group will do aerobic exercises. Both groups will exercise three times a week for about 45-60 minutes each session. At the end of 8 weeks, the results will be compared to see which type of exercise is more effective.
Riphah International University is the lead sponsor of 2,133 studies on the registry; 633 are open to participants now.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Type of Exercise: Mat-based Pilates focusing on core stability, breathing control, flexibility, and pelvic floor strengthening
Other: Pilates
Moderate intensity aerobic training (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, or low-impact dance routines) Intensity: 50-70% of maximum heart rate (monitored using Rate of Perceived Exertion Scale 11-13 on Borg Scale)
Other: Aerobic Exercise
Pilates Group Type of Exercise: Mat-based Pilates focusing on core stability, breathing control, flexibility, and pelvic floor strengthening. Structure: Warm-up (10 mins): Light mobility and breathing exercises; Main Session (30-40 mins): Pelvic tilts, bridging, leg stretches, roll-ups, side-lying series; Focus on posture, controlled movement, and core engagement; Cool-down (5-10 mins): Gentle stretching and relaxation. Progression: Gradual increase in intensity and complexity over 8 weeks. Supervision: Sessions led by a trained physiotherapist or certified Pilates instructor.
Aerobic Exercise Group Type of Exercise: Moderate intensity aerobic training (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, or low-impact dance routines). Intensity: 50-70% of maximum heart rate (monitored using Rate of Perceived Exertion Scale 11-13 on Borg Scale). Structure: Warm-up (10 mins): Marching in place, arm circles, step touch; Main Session (30-40 mins): Rhythmic aerobic routines or treadmill walking; Cool-down (5-10 mins): Stretching major muscle groups. Supervision: Sessions conducted under the guidance of a physiotherapist or fitness instructor.
Weight (kilograms) - measured using a calibrated weighing scale
Measured with a calibrated digital weighing scale. Participants will be weighed barefoot, wearing light clothing, after emptying their bladder. Reliable if calibrated regularly and used under standardized conditions (same scale, same time of day, light clothing, after voiding). Test-retest reliability \> 0.97. Highly valid for measuring body weight; directly measures mass in kilogram. The scale's accuracy is typically within 0.1 kg.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Calculated by dividing weight (kg) by the square of height (m) (BMI = weight/height²). Height will be measured once at baseline with a stadiometer. Reliable when the procedure is standardized (barefoot, standing straight, head in Frankfort plane). Intra-observer reliability \> 0.95. Valid anthropometric tool; stadiometers accurately reflect true stature when calibrated.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR)
Calculated by dividing Waist by Hip (WHR = Waist cm / Hip cm). Reliable if both waist and hip are measured accurately with the same procedure. WHR is a well validated indicator of body-fat distribution and health-risk; a higher WHR is strongly associated with metabolic disorders
Time frame: 8 weeks
Plan to share: No
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