Effects of a Pilates Training Intervention on Mental Health, Adiposity and Self-Perceived Body-Image of Obese Children

Introduction: Given the increasing mechanization and digitalization of all areas of society and the significant rates of obesity among adolescents, coupled with their hesitance to engage in physical and sporting activities, it is crucial to identify strategies aimed at reducing excess weight and enhancing associated health factors.
Objective: The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of a physical activity intervention on the mental health, body fat levels, and self-perceived body image of adolescents classified as obese.
Methods: This study adopted a semi-experimental methodology with a practical objective, implementing a pre-test and post-test framework alongside a control group. The participants were obese male students aged between 15 and 18 years. The sample was divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group, each comprising 22 students. The training program was executed over eight weeks, with three sessions per week designated for the experimental group. Assessments of mental health, adiposity, and body image were conducted using standardized tests. Data analysis was performed utilizing both paired and independent sample t-tests.
Results: The findings reveal that there were no notable differences in any demographic variables during the pretest phase (p>0.05). Additionally, the pretest results showed no significant disparities between groups concerning the research variables (p>0.05). In contrast, the analysis conducted at the conclusion of the eight-week period revealed significant differences across all assessed parameters, which included mental health, adiposity as indicated by BMI, and self-perceived body image (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings of this research suggest that individuals who are overweight or obese should engage in regular physical activities, such as Pilates, to enhance their physical and mental health.