Effect of pilates on the physical and mental health of drug-dependent individuals — a randomized controlled trial

2025

BMC Psychiatry, Vol 25, Iss 1, Pp 1-17 (2025)

Abstract Objective Drug-dependent individuals often face severe physical and mental health impairments, necessitating safe and adaptable rehabilitation strategies. This study aims to investigate the effects of Pilates exercise on the physical and mental health of drug-dependent individuals. Specifically, the study seeks to evaluate changes in body composition, physical fitness, blood biochemistry, and psychological outcomes following a structured Pilates intervention. Methods This study was conducted as a double-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. A total of 43 substance-dependent individuals were recruited from the Judong Drug Rehabilitation Center and randomly assigned to either the Pilates intervention group (n = 22) or the control group (n = 21). The experimental group underwent Pilates program of two weekly sessions for 24 weeks, while the control group received conventional rehabilitation. We assessed physical and mental health indicators at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks. Repeated measures analysis of variance was employed to discern inter-group differences, and Spearman correlation analysis was applied to assess the relationship between fluctuations in scores on anxiety and depression scales and those of associated physiological metrics. Results After 24 weeks of Pilates intervention, the intervention group showed significant improvements (p

article

English

BMC, 2025.

Pilates, Exercise Intervention, Physical and Mental Health, Drug Addiction, Rehabilitation, Psychiatry, RC435-571