Effects of 8-Week Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates Exercises on Functional Movement Screen Scores and Joint Range of Motion in Recreationally Active Males

Pilates exercises are widely utilized to enhance core stability, postural control, and neuromuscular coordination. However, evidence directly comparing equipment-based (Reformer) and floor-based (Mat) Pilates interventions on movement patterns and mobility in active males is limited.

Thirty-six recreationally active male participants were randomly allocated into three equal parallel groups:

Reformer Pilates Group: Performed progressive reformer-based exercise sessions (3 days per week, 8 weeks).

Mat Pilates Group: Performed progressive mat-based exercise sessions (3 days per week, 8 weeks).

Control Group: Maintained habitual daily activities without engaging in structured exercise training.

Assessments were conducted at baseline and at the conclusion of the 8-week period. Primary outcomes included composite and subtest scores of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). Secondary outcomes included active joint range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder, hip, and ankle joints, alongside body composition parameters (body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and fat-free mass).

• Reformer Pilates Training (Behavioral): A structured 8-week progressive equipment-based Reformer Pilates training protocol conducted 3 days per week (approximately 50-60 minutes per session).
• Mat Pilates Training (Behavioral): A structured 8-week progressive floor-based Mat Pilates training protocol conducted 3 days per week (approximately 50-60 minutes per session).

Primary outcomes

• Change from Baseline in Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Composite Score [Baseline and Week 8]: Functional movement quality assessed via Functional Movement Screen (FMS) consisting of 7 subtests (deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight-leg raise, trunk stability push-up, and rotary stability). Each subtest is scored on an ordinal scale from 0 to 3 points. When bilateral testing was conducted, the lower score was recorded. Scores of all seven subtests are aggregated/summed to calculate a total composite score ranging from 0 to 21 points. Higher composite scores represent better functional movement quality and movement competency.

Secondary outcomes

• Change from Baseline in Hip Flexion Range of Motion at 8 Weeks [Baseline and week 8]: Active hip flexion range of motion measured in degrees (°) using a universal standard goniometer. Two measurements were obtained for both right and left limbs and averaged. Higher degrees indicate greater joint mobility.
• Change from Baseline in Hip Extension Range of Motion at 8 Weeks [Baseline and week 8]: Active hip extension range of motion measured in degrees (°) using a universal standard goniometer. Two measurements were obtained for both right and left limbs and averaged. Higher degrees indicate greater joint mobility.
• Change from Baseline in Hip Abduction Range of Motion at 8 Weeks [Baseline and week 8]: Active hip abduction range of motion measured in degrees (°) using a universal standard goniometer. Two measurements were obtained for both right and left limbs and averaged. Higher degrees indicate greater joint mobility.
• Change from Baseline in Hip Internal Rotation Range of Motion at 8 Weeks [Baseline and week 8]: Active hip internal rotation range of motion measured in degrees (°) using a universal standard goniometer. Two measurements were obtained for both right and left limbs and averaged. Higher degrees indicate greater joint mobility.
• Change from Baseline in Hip External Rotation Range of Motion at 8 Weeks [Baseline and Week 8]: Active hip external rotation range of motion measured in degrees (°) using a universal standard goniometer. Two measurements were obtained for both right and left limbs and averaged. Higher degrees indicate greater joint mobility.
• Change from Baseline in Shoulder Hyperextension Range of Motion at 8 Weeks [Baseline and Week 8]: Active shoulder hyperextension range of motion measured in degrees (°) using a universal standard goniometer. Two measurements were obtained for both right and left limbs and averaged. Higher degrees indicate greater joint mobility.
• Change from Baseline in Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion at 8 Weeks [Baseline and Week 8]: Active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measured in degrees (°) using a universal standard goniometer. Two measurements were obtained for both right and left limbs and averaged. Higher degrees indicate greater joint mobility.
• Change from Baseline in Ankle Plantar Flexion Range of Motion at 8 Weeks [Baseline and Week 8]: Active ankle plantar flexion range of motion measured in degrees (°) using a universal standard goniometer. Two measurements were obtained for both right and left limbs and averaged. Higher degrees indicate greater joint mobility.
• Change from Baseline in Body Fat Percentage at 8 Weeks [Baseline and Week 8]: Fat mass percentage measured in percentage (%) using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
• Change from Baseline in Body Weight at 8 Weeks [Baseline and Week 8]: Total body weight measured in kilograms (kg).
• Change from Baseline in Body Mass Index (BMI) at 8 Weeks [Baseline and Week 8]: Body mass index calculated as body weight divided by height squared (kg/m\^2).
• Change from Baseline in Fat-Free Mass at 8 Weeks [Baseline and Week 8]: Fat-free mass measured in kilograms (kg) via bioelectrical impedance analysis.

Sex: Male, ages: 18 Years to 25 Years, accepts healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy recreationally active males aged 18 to 25 years
* Regularly engaging in recreational physical activity (at least 2-3 days per week)
* Voluntarily agreeing to participate and providing signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any history of musculoskeletal injury or orthopedic surgery within the last 6 months
* Chronic cardiovascular, metabolic, or neurological disorders
* Prior formal training experience in Mat or Reformer Pilates within the past 6 months
* Inability to complete the 8-week exercise intervention or assessment sessions