Core Stability, Postural Balance, and Flexibility in Healthy Women: A Comparative Study Between Pilates Practitioners and Sedentary Individuals

This cross-sectional comparative study involves 55 healthy female participants divided into two groups: a Pilates group (minimum 5 months of practice, twice weekly) and a sedentary control group (less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week). To ensure objectivity and high-quality data, an "Assessor Blinding" protocol will be implemented, where the investigator performing physical measurements remains unaware of the participants' group allocation. Primary outcomes include: 1. Deep muscle stabilization measured via a Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) in a prone position. 2. Core endurance assessed using the McGill Core Endurance Battery (Flexor, Extensor, and Side Bridge tests). 3. Dynamic postural balance evaluated through the Y-Balance Test (YBT) in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. 4. Static balance measured by the Single Leg Stance Test (SLST) with eyes open and closed. 5. Hamstring and lower back flexibility assessed by the Sit and Reach Test. Statistical analysis will be performed using IBM SPSS version 26.0 to compare the outcomes between the two groups.