Dietary assessment and effect of Pilates exercises on quality of life, body composition, and physical fitness in Iranian postmenopausal women

Abstract

Menopause is an important period of life for women, all of whom experience this natural state. However, awareness of the bodily changes during this period is of great significance. Hence, not paying attention to the dietary, physical, and psychological criteria can reduce the quality of women’s lives. This study aimed to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL), body composition, and physical fitness in postmenopausal women after Pilates exercises. Thirty postmenopausal Iranian women were randomly divided into Pilates (performed for 8 weeks) and control groups. The HRQoL Questionnaire (SF-12) was filled out, and a three-day record of food intake was also kept for dietary assessment. The diet of the women consisted of mean values of 1,923 Kcal daily energy, 16% protein, 72% carbohydrate, 12% fat, and 11.32 mg iron. Calcium, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin E intake were respectively 73, 87.5, 81.7 and 83.53% of the recommended daily allowance. Pilates exercises had a significant effect on flexibility (P=0.002), endurance (P=0.001), muscle strength (P=0.001), body mass index (P=0.001), lean mass (P=0.003), body fat percentage (P=0.001), and quality of life (P=0.001). Therefore, Pilates is an appropriate training to increase body fitness and improve body composition, lean mass, and quality of life in postmenopausal women.