The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Pilatesbased
mat exercises on life satisfaction, perception of appreciation
by other people, perception of physical appearance, perception of
functionality, total physical self-concept, and perception of health
status in healthy women. A randomized controlled trial was conducted
in Évora, Portugal, in 2008, in which 62 healthy adult
women were randomized to a Pilates-based mat (experimental
group) (n D 38, mean age ˙ SD, 41.08 ˙ 6.64 years) or a control
group (n D 24, mean age ˙ SD, 40.25 ˙ 7.70 years). Experimental
group participants performed the Initial Mat of Body Control
Pilates twice per week, 60-minutes per session. Repeated measurements
were performed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. No
significant differences between the two groups were observed in life