24-weeks Pilates-aerobic and educative training to improve body fat mass in elderly Serbian women

Abstract

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to examine the differences in anthropometric measurements using an aerobic and Pilates exercise program which lasted 24 weeks.MethodThis was a clinical intervention study of 303 women over the age of 60 living in Novi Sad, Serbia. Changes in body mass index and skinfold thickness were estimated through height, weight, and anthropometric measurements. The program comprised Pilates exercises for upper- and lower-body strength, agility, and aerobic capacity.ResultsFat mass (FM) improved significantly (pre-test, 32.89%, 8.65; post-test, 28.25%, 6.58; P<0.01). Bone diameters and muscle perimeters showed no significant changes pre- and post-test (P>0.05), but there was a higher correlation between FM (%) and waist–hip ratio (rho, 0.80; P<0.01).ConclusionA mixed program of aerobics and Pilates, controls and improves baseline muscle mass and decreases FM values, without causing deterioration during practice and follow-up exercises.

The Effects of Pilates on the Elderly: An Integrative Review

“…5,[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Pilates group compared to passive mobilization group had lower participation and adherence.…”

“…1,2 Aging brings biological alterations 3 and generates changes in psychological and social aspects, which compromise independence and quality of life. 4 Exercise programs that involve strength and balance training are considered to be responsible for maintaining the functional capacity 5 of the elderly, as well as being a preventive intervention to reduce the risk of falls in this population. 6,7 One of the physical activities recommended for this group is the Pilates method, consisting of a system of physical exercises created by Joseph Pilates which involve body movements based on six principles: breathing, control, concentration, precision, fluidity and centralization, so integrating body and mind 8 .…”

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

“…Finally, the total duration of treadmill test in active group increased after the interventional exercise program when the total duration of control group decreased. Several studies have proved that the combination of strength and aerobic exercise may be more effective on the cardio-vascular system and skeletal muscle mass in adult and elderly people 6,22 . Therefore, the participants of the active group could have improved the strength and physiological parameters after a Pilates-Aerobic interventional program and walking faster than participants of control group who was measured without to practice any physical activity guided.…”

“…The Pilates method coincides with the modern principles of fitness, personal training, and mental happiness through exercises that maintain a neutral spine position and the use of the floor and equipment to develop the physical fitness in general 5 . Therefore, Pilates programs can be physical activities with clinical benefits through several studies on the aging process 5,6 . Physical fitness is an integrated measurement of cardiorespiratory and endocrine-metabolic functions 7 .…”

Untitled

“…In addition, a sedentary lifestyle causes fatter muscle mass decrease and physical inactivity cause a decrease of the cognitive and functional capacity (Ruiz-Montero and Castillo-Rodríguez, 2016b). The resistance exercise (American College of Sport Medicine, ACSM, 2013;Roubenoff & Hughes, 2000), Pilates exercise (Levine, Kaplanek, & Jaffe, 2009) or a mixture of both (Hayes et al, 2013;Ruiz-Montero, Castillo-Rodriguez, Mikalacki, Nebojsa, & Korovljev, 2014), improve the strength loss in the elderly. In addition, there are a lot of studies that relate the muscle strengthening activities and other aerobic activities.…”