Comparison of quality of life in adult female practitioners of Pilates and bodybuilding

Abstract

Objective: To compare the level of quality of life and perception of physical and mental health of middle-aged women who practice bodybuilding and Pilates and evaluate which method is associated with higher levels of quality of life in the sample. Methods: A total of 50 middle-aged women were divided into two groups with 25 participants in each. The Pilates practitioners group (50.53±4.3 year) and the women bodybuilders group (50.4±5.2 year) answered a quality of life SF-36 questionnaire and middle-aged woman health questionnaire. Results: The women bodybuilders group reached a higher level of quality of life compared to Pilates practitioners in domains associated to pain (P=0,01) and mental health (P=0,01) and exhibited fewer vasomotor symptoms/hot flashes (P=0,04). Conclusion: Bodybuilding training is associated with higher levels of quality of life in middle-aged women compared to the Pilates method.