Effects of Mat and Reformer Pilates Exercise Program on Lower Extremity Edema and Stress, Depression in Pregnant Women in the Second Trimester

PURPOSES This study aimed to examine the effects of mat and reformer Pilates exercise programs on lower extremity edema, prenatal stress, and antenatal depression among pregnant women in their second trimester. METHODS A total of 21 healthy pregnant women were randomly assigned to the mat Pilates group (n=7), the reformer Pilates group (n=7), or the control group (n=7). Participants in the intervention groups engaged in exercise sessions twice a week for eight weeks, while the control group maintained their usual daily activities. Changes in calf circumference, prenatal stress scale(PSS), and antenatal depression (EPDS) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test and Mann- Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS Compared to the control group, both the mat Pilates and reformer Pilates groups demonstrated a significant reduction in calf circumference (p < 0.01). Prenatal stress levels significantly decreased in both exercise groups (p < 0.01), with the reformer Pilates group showing the greatest reduction. Furthermore, a significant decrease in antenatal depression scores was observed only in the reformer Pilates group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Mat and reformer Pilates exercise programs are effective in reducing lower extremity edema and prenatal stress among pregnant women, with reformer Pilates demonstrating an additional benefit in alleviating antenatal depression. These findings suggest the necessity and clinical applicability of Pilatesbased exercise programs in prenatal health management. Further studies involving larger and more diverse populations are warranted.