Document Type : Research Paper
Author
Department of Sport Science for Health and Performance, College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Halabja, Kurdistan region, Iraq
Abstract
Background and Objective: Obesity and physical inactivity are linked to insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammation. Oncostatin-M (OSM), an IL-6 family cytokine, may connect adipose inflammation to metabolic dysfunction. This study examined whether 12 weeks of supervised Pilates alters serum OSM and insulin resistance indices in inactive obese men. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study with random allocation, 30 inactive obese men (30–50 years; BMI 30–35 kg/m²) were assigned to Pilates (n=15) or control (n=15). The Pilates group trained three times weekly for 12 weeks; controls maintained their usual lifestyle. Weight, BMI, waist circumference, estimated VO₂max, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and serum OSM were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Mixed ANOVA and paired/independent t-tests were used (p<0.05). Results: Significant group × time interactions were found for weight (p = 0.008), BMI (p=0.012), waist circumference (p = 0.003), VO₂max (p=0.004), fasting glucose (p=0.015), fasting insulin (p=0.006), HOMA-IR (p=0.002), and OSM (p=0.001). The Pilates group showed decreased adiposity, fasting glucose and insulin, HOMA-IR, and OSM, alongside increased VO₂max, whereas the control group showed no significant changes. Conclusion: Twelve weeks of supervised Pilates improved body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and insulin resistance while reducing circulating OSM in inactive obese men, suggesting Pilates as a feasible low-intensity strategy to induce favorable immunometabolic adaptations.
Main Subjects
)