여성 필라테스 강사와 일반 여성의 폐기능 및 호흡근력 비교: 예비연구

Comparison of Pulmonary and Respiratory Muscle Function Between Female Pilates Instructors and Controls

Purpose: This pilot study aimed to compare the pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength between female Pilates instructors and non-instructor adult women to determine the potential impact of regular Pilates-based physical activity on respiratory parameters. Methods: Twenty healthy women aged over 20 years were included and assigned to two groups: Pilates instructors (n=10, with ≥2 years of teaching experience) and non-instructors (n = 10, with no recent regular exercise experience). The pulmonary function tests and respiratory muscle strength were assessed in accordance with the ATS/ERS guidelines. The group differences were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test, while the effect sizes were measured using Cohen’s d. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in any of the measured variables between the groups (p>.05). The Pilates instructors and non-instructors showed comparable values in FVC (3.27±0.50 vs. 3.19±0.42 L), FEV1 (2.78±0.46 vs. 2.8±0.37 L), FEV1/FVC (84.50±7.71% vs. 88.70±5.60%), MIP (63.7±12.9 vs. 69.6±16.6 cmH2O), and MEP (80.60±17.90 vs. 78.00±23.07 cmH2O). Conclusion: The female Pilates instructors did not show superior pulmonary function or respiratory muscle strength compared with the non-instructors, but the qualitative benefits of Pilates in improving breathing efficiency and thoracic mobility may hold clinical relevance, requiring further large-scale and longitudinal investigations.