Research Article

Enhancing quality of life: the role of pilates in alleviating depression and anxiety among women: A randomized controlled trial

Volume: 13 Number: 2 July 31, 2026
TR EN

Enhancing quality of life: the role of pilates in alleviating depression and anxiety among women: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose: Depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent mental health disorders, significantly impairing individuals' quality of life. This study investigates the effects of Pilates exercises on depression, anxiety, and overall well-being in women over 50 years of age experiencing depression. Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted, involving 60 women diagnosed with depression by a psychiatrist. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=30), which engaged in 60-minute Pilates sessions three times weekly for eight weeks, or a control group (n=30), which maintained their usual routines. Depression, anxiety, and quality of life were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Questionnaire (BAQ), and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), respectively. ANOVA analysis was employed for data analysis. Results: Results indicated that Pilates training significantly reduced depression (p=0.001) and improved both physical and mental aspects of quality of life (p=0.002). However, no significant effect was observed on anxiety levels (p=0.051). Conclusion: A significant inverse relationship was found between anxiety and quality of life, as well as a direct correlation between depression and anxiety. These findings suggest that Pilates exercises may serve as an effective intervention for reducing depression and enhancing the quality of life in women suffering from depression.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This research did not receive any grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or non-profit sectors.

Ethical Statement

This study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the University of Qom's Human Ethics Committee approved this study in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, good clinical practices, and relevant laws and regulations. Informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to inclusion in the study.

Thanks

We would like to thank any individuals or organizations that contributed for their support and assistance in conducting this research.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Allied Health and Rehabilitation Science (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Mohsen Akbarpour Beni This is me
Iran

Bahare Mirzarezaei This is me
The Netherlands

Publication Date

July 31, 2026

Submission Date

July 3, 2025

Acceptance Date

October 7, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 13 Number: 2

APA
Akbarpour Beni, M., Fahimi, M., & Mirzarezaei, B. (2026). Enhancing quality of life: the role of pilates in alleviating depression and anxiety among women: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Exercise Therapy and Rehabilitation, 13(2), 101-113. https://doi.org/10.15437/jetr.1733896
AMA
1.Akbarpour Beni M, Fahimi M, Mirzarezaei B. Enhancing quality of life: the role of pilates in alleviating depression and anxiety among women: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Exercise Therapy and Rehabilitation. 2026;13(2):101-113. doi:10.15437/jetr.1733896
Chicago
Akbarpour Beni, Mohsen, Mahdi Fahimi, and Bahare Mirzarezaei. 2026. “Enhancing Quality of Life: The Role of Pilates in Alleviating Depression and Anxiety Among Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial”. Journal of Exercise Therapy and Rehabilitation 13 (2): 101-13. https://doi.org/10.15437/jetr.1733896.
EndNote
Akbarpour Beni M, Fahimi M, Mirzarezaei B (July 1, 2026) Enhancing quality of life: the role of pilates in alleviating depression and anxiety among women: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Exercise Therapy and Rehabilitation 13 2 101–113.
IEEE
[1]M. Akbarpour Beni, M. Fahimi, and B. Mirzarezaei, “Enhancing quality of life: the role of pilates in alleviating depression and anxiety among women: A randomized controlled trial”, Journal of Exercise Therapy and Rehabilitation, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 101–113, July 2026, doi: 10.15437/jetr.1733896.
ISNAD
Akbarpour Beni, Mohsen - Fahimi, Mahdi - Mirzarezaei, Bahare. “Enhancing Quality of Life: The Role of Pilates in Alleviating Depression and Anxiety Among Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial”. Journal of Exercise Therapy and Rehabilitation 13/2 (July 1, 2026): 101-113. https://doi.org/10.15437/jetr.1733896.
JAMA
1.Akbarpour Beni M, Fahimi M, Mirzarezaei B. Enhancing quality of life: the role of pilates in alleviating depression and anxiety among women: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Exercise Therapy and Rehabilitation. 2026;13:101–113.
MLA
Akbarpour Beni, Mohsen, et al. “Enhancing Quality of Life: The Role of Pilates in Alleviating Depression and Anxiety Among Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial”. Journal of Exercise Therapy and Rehabilitation, vol. 13, no. 2, July 2026, pp. 101-13, doi:10.15437/jetr.1733896.
Vancouver
1.Mohsen Akbarpour Beni, Mahdi Fahimi, Bahare Mirzarezaei. Enhancing quality of life: the role of pilates in alleviating depression and anxiety among women: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Exercise Therapy and Rehabilitation. 2026 Jul. 1;13(2):101-13. doi:10.15437/jetr.1733896