The effects of a pilates-aerobic program on maximum exercise capacity of adult women

Abstract

Introduction: Physical exercise such as the Pilates method offers clinical benefits on the aging process. Likewise, physiologic parameters may be improved through aerobic exercise. Methods: In order to compare the differences of a Pilates-Aerobic intervention program on physiologic parameters such as the maximum heart rate (HRmax), relative maximal oxygen consumption (relative VO2max) and absolute (absolute VOmax), maximum heart rate during maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max-HRmax), maximum minute volume (VE) and forced vital capacity (FVC), a total of 64 adult women (active group = 48.1 ± 6.7 years; control group = 47.2 ± 7.4 years) participated in the study. The physiological parameters, the maximal speed and total duration of test were measured by maximum exercise capacity testing through Bruce protocol. The HRmax was calculated by a cardio-ergometric software. Pulmonary function tests, maximal speed and total time during the physical test were performed in a treadmill (Medisoft, model 870c). Likewise, the spirometry analyzed the impact on oxygen uptake parameters, including FVC and VE. Results: The VO2max (relative and absolute), VE (all, P<0.001), VO2max-HRmax (P<0.05) and maximal speed of treadmill test (P<0.001) showed significant difference in the active group after a physical exercise interventional program. Conclusion: The present study indicates that the Pilates exercises through a continuous training program might significantly improve the cardiovascular system. Hence, mixing strength and aerobic exercises into a training program is considered the optimal mechanism for healthy aging.

Pilates Method Improves Cardiorespiratory Fitness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Study and intervention characteristics are summarised in Table 2. Of the 10 included studies, five were RCTs [22,29,33,35,45], two were non-RCTs [31,44] and three were pre-post studies [30,32,46]. All the studies were conducted between 2008 and 2019 and included a total of 332 participants, of which 223 were in Pilates groups (67%) and 109 in control groups (33%).…”

“…These benefits are observed not only in the healthy population but also in those with specific disorders, such as chronic low back pain [16], multiple sclerosis [25], breast cancer [26] and Parkinson’s disease [27]. The neuromuscular stimulation achieved during Pilates [28] may be of sufficient intensity to improve CRF, providing benefits in VO 2 max for individuals with different health conditions [29,30,31,32,33]. Thus, it seems that Pilates exercises include a mind–body component [34] that could have a beneficial impact in different populations.…”

Effects of 8-Weeks Concurrent Strength and Aerobic Training on Body Composition, Physiological and Cognitive Performance in Older Adult Women

“…Crucially, it is important the fact that this concurrent training has had improvements in RT going from 433.30 ms in pre-intervention to 385.87 ms in the post-intervention. Importantly, consider that sport training context based on 60 min/day (five days/week) aerobic exercises and a circuit of strength of ten exercises with 12 repetitions per exercise (three days a week) following the recommendations that the ACSM performs for adults and older adults [11], what a proper and motivating atmosphere does where physiological parameters and perceptual-cognitive skills are heightened, that could have an influence in executive function, as suggested by Mikalački et al [25] comment PE program for older should follow international guidelines to have expected benefits.…”

“…There even exist differences between active and inactive older women in body composition [22,23]. The PE trained older women's body composition improvements are produced in mid-thigh cross-sectional area [24], weight loss [23] fat mass and BMI [19], statistical significant and non-significant body weight, skeletal muscle mass and fat mass [5,[21][22][23][24][25]. Some of these studies are cross-sectional studies and others are RE interventions from 24 weeks to 24 months.…”

Mat Pilates as a new approach for breast cancer patients undergoing hormone therapy: a randomized controlled clinical trial study protocol (HAPiMat Study)

“…Different systematized physical exercise interventions can contribute to fat mass decrease, and improvements in muscle mass and force production [11], flexibility (important for joint mobility) [12], fatigue [13], pain [14], body image [15], depression [16], and anxiety [15] in BCS. Among the different training modalities, the Pilates method is a mind-body exercise, which has been widely sought mainly among women, to improve resistance, flexibility, and general wellbeing [17]. In addition, Pilates presents the principles of centering (core stabilization), concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow [18].…”