Benefits of Pilates on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress: An Observational Study Comparing People Practicing Pilates to Non-Active Controls

<b>Background</b>: The positive effects of Pilates on balance, resistance, strength, and flexibility have been described several times. Additionally, positive effects on psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, were documented. However, the change in behaviors at risk for stress-related physical disorders has not yet been validated in a group of people practicing Pilates. In light of these assumptions, changes in risk behaviors for stress-related physical disorders were assessed along with psychological symptoms, comparing a group of people practicing Pilates with non-active controls. <b>Methods</b>: The study was observational. Data from an experimental group of twenty-five people practicing Pilates (five males and 20 females between 50 and 64 years old) were compared to those of a control group of 24 people (seven males and 17 females between 54 and 65 years). Psychological symptoms were assessed through the Symptom Questionnaire (SQ) while the P Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) investigated risk behaviors for stress-related physical disorders. <b>Results</b>: The analyses attested a significant decrease in anxiety (time × group effect: F = 17.38; <i>p</i> < 0.001), depression (time × group effect: F = 5.44; <i>p</i> < 0.05), and somatization (time × group effect: F = 11.25; <i>p</i> < 0.01), as well as an improvement in stress-risk behaviors, especially in the ability to benefit from spare time by "taking one's mind away" from commitments (time × group effect: F = 8.56; <i>p</i> < 0.01). <b>Conclusions</b>: Although the literature describes benefits for anxiety and depression following moderate-intensity sporting activities, our study also noted positive effects from Pilates on stress and psychological symptoms. Our findings suggest that Pilates may be appropriate for people who can perform light to moderate exercise.