Energy Cost and Metabolic Intensity of Pilates Exercises in Older Adults

Sponsor
Universidade Estadual do Norte do Parana
Study ID
NCT07621523
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • Aging
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Exercise

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
60 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Accepted

Interventions

  • Mat Pilates — BEHAVIORAL
    A single session of mat Pilates consisting of 9 exercises: 1 stretching exercise as warm-up, 7 strengthening exercises (\~50 min, 3 sets of 10 repetitions with 1-minute rest intervals), and 1 stretching exercise as cool-down. Exercises are performed using body weight and accessories (Swiss ball, elastic bands, foam roller, and magic circle).
  • Equipment-Based Pilates — BEHAVIORAL
    A single session of equipment-based Pilates consisting of 9 exercises: 1 stretching exercise as warm-up, 7 strengthening exercises (\~50 min, 3 sets of 10 repetitions with 1-minute rest intervals), and 1 stretching exercise as cool-down. Exercises are performed using Reformer, Cadillac, Ladder Barrel, and Step Chair.
  • Treadmill Walking — BEHAVIORAL
    A single session of treadmill walking consisting of 50 minutes at 4.8 km/h (1% incline), preceded by a 5-minute warm-up and followed by a 5-minute cool-down at 3.0 km/h.

Study Details

Pilates is one of the most popular forms of exercise among older adults worldwide. However, no study has measured how many calories a Pilates session burns or how hard the body works during it in people aged 60 and over. This information is important for exercise professionals who prescribe Pilates for health promotion goals such as weight management and cardiovascular fitness. This study will measure the energy cost and metabolic intensity of two types of Pilates - mat Pilates and equipment-based Pilates - in older adults using a portable indirect calorimetry system (Cosmed K5). Results will be compared to treadmill walking at 4.8 km/h, a well-established moderate-intensity activity. Twenty men and women aged 60 years or older with at least 6 months of continuous Pilates experience will complete three exercise sessions in a randomized order: (1) mat Pilates, (2) equipment-based Pilates, and (3) treadmill walking. Each Pilates session will consist of 9 exercises, with stretching exercises used as warm-up and cool-down and 7 strengthening exercises performed in the main portion of the session (\~50 min). Oxygen consumption, energy expenditure, heart rate, and perceived exertion will be measured throughout each session.

Key Dates

First listed
Jun 2, 2026
Start date
Jun 30, 2026
Status verified
May 2026
Primary completion
Dec 31, 2026
Completion
Dec 31, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
20 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
PREVENTION

Arms

  • Experimental: Mat Pilates
    Participants will perform a mat Pilates session consisting of 9 exercises: 1 stretching exercise as warm-up, 7 strengthening exercises, and 1 stretching exercise as cool-down. Strengthening exercises will be performed in 3 sets of 10 repetitions with 1-minute rest intervals (\~50 min). Exercises will use body weight and accessories (Swiss ball, elastic bands, foam roller, and magic circle). Warm-up and cool-down periods will be excluded from analysis.
  • Experimental: Equipment-Based Pilates
    Participants will perform an equipment-based Pilates session consisting of 9 exercises: 1 stretching exercise as warm-up, 7 strengthening exercises, and 1 stretching exercise as cool-down. Strengthening exercises will be performed in 3 sets of 10 repetitions with 1-minute rest intervals (\~50 min). Exercises will be performed using Reformer, Cadillac, Ladder Barrel, and Step Chair. Warm-up and cool-down periods will be excluded from analysis.
  • Active Comparator: Treadmill Walking
    Participants will perform 50 minutes of treadmill walking at 4.8 km/h with 1% incline, preceded by a 5-minute warm-up and followed by a 5-minute cool-down at 3.0 km/h. Warm-up and cool-down periods will be excluded from analysis.

Primary Outcome Measure

Metabolic Intensity [ Time Frame: At baseline (pre-session), during each 50-minute exercise session, and 30 minutes after session completion. ]

Central Contacts

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