Impact of Pilates and plank exercise on resting pulse rate of adolescent school boys

The present study investigated the effect of Pilates and plank exercises on the resting pulse rate of adolescent school boys. Forty-five male students aged 13-15 years were randomly assigned into three groups: Pilates, Plank, and Control (n = 15 each). The experimental groups participated in a structured 12-week training program conducted five days per week, while the control group continued routine activities. Resting pulse rate was measured before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and Scheffe’s post hoc test at the 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed significant reductions in resting pulse rate in both the Pilates and plank groups compared to the control group. However, no significant difference was observed between the two experimental groups. The findings suggest that both Pilates and plank exercises are equally effective in improving cardiovascular efficiency among adolescent school boys.