Feasibility Of Online Pilates Classes For Pregnant Brazilian Women Living Abroad: A Pilot Study

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19141/jils.v14ilifestyle.2116

Keywords:

interdisciplinary, physical education, Pregnant Women, Pilates method, Expatriation, online interventions, human development, physical activity; applications programs (apps); technologies; fitness; health.

Abstract

Objective: This study analyzes how participation in online Pilates sessions influences the well-being of Brazilian pregnant women living abroad, from the perspective of remote professional practice in Physical Education within women’s health care.

Methods: This is a pilot, quantitative, and descriptive study involving 11 Brazilian expatriate pregnant women participating in remote interventions, using intentional non-probabilistic sampling. Data were collected through structured self-report instruments assessing perceived well-being during pregnancy, including sociodemographic variables and perceptions of gestational feelings and emotions. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and measures of central tendency.

Results: Findings indicated an association between participation in online Pilates classes and positive perceptions of well-being. There was a predominance of favorable reports related to physical comfort, functional capacity in daily activities, and perceived health during pregnancy. Participants reported satisfaction with the remote practice, highlighting the continuity of physical exercise while living abroad. Elevated levels of anxiety and emotional burden were also identified, associated with the migratory context, including lack of support networks, cultural differences, and adaptation to the local health care system.

Conclusion: Online Pilates classes demonstrated potential to contribute to the well-being of Brazilian pregnant women living abroad. The results suggest that this practice constitutes an accessible support strategy during pregnancy, particularly in contexts involving distance from care networks. Participants emphasized the importance of support from doulas, exercise guidance, and participation in groups for pregnant women, indicating the relevance of remote interventions in expanding maternal health care and qualifyed remote professional teaching.

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Author Biographies

Carolina Rossato Volpini, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), São Paulo

Bachelor’s and Licentiate Degree in Physical Education from the State University of Maringá (2009–2014). Master's student (2025) in Human Development and Technologies at the Graduate Program – UNESP, Rio Claro, with research in the area of online physical exercise for expatriate pregnant women, in the Human Development and Technologies Program (PPG DHT — UNESP/ Rio Claro-SP). Member of the Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity, Applied Psychology, and Sports Pedagogy (LAMAPPE) at UNESP, Bauru Campus. CAPES Social Demand Scholarship holder (2025–2027) through the PPG DHT/UNESP RC. Member of the Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity, Applied Psychology, and Sports Pedagogy (LAMAPPE) at UNESP, Bauru Campus.

Débora Gambary Freire, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), São Paulo

Graduated in Physical Education from the Integrated Colleges of Bauru (FIB) with a Bachelor’s degree (2009) and Licentiate degree (2013), with a specialization in Exercise Physiology applied to health promotion (2017) from the São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP, Bauru Campus). Master’s and Doctorate degrees from São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), in the Human Development and Technologies Program (PPG DHT — UNESP/ Rio Claro-SP). Member of the Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity, Applied Psychology, and Sports Pedagogy (LAMAPPE) at UNESP, Bauru Campus.

Rubens Venditti Júnior, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), São Paulo

Master in Movement Pedagogy and PhD in Physical Education and Society from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP — School of Physical Education). Assistant Professor (Doctor) at the São Paulo State University Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP, Bauru Campus), Faculty of Sciences, Department of Physical Education (FC-DEF/UNESP Bauru). Permanent professor, advisor, and researcher in the Human Development and Technologies Program (PPG DHT — UNESP Rio Claro-SP). Coordinator of the Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity, Applied Psychology, and Sports Pedagogy (LAMAPPE) at UNESP, Bauru Campus.

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Published

2026-04-23

How to Cite

Volpini, C. R., Freire, D. G., & Venditti Júnior, R. (2026). Feasibility Of Online Pilates Classes For Pregnant Brazilian Women Living Abroad: A Pilot Study. Journal of Interdisciplinary Lifestyle Studies, 14(lifestyle), e02116. https://doi.org/10.19141/jils.v14ilifestyle.2116
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