Effects of Mat Pilates Training on Body Composition and Cardiometabolic Markers in Postmenopausal Women With Multimorbidity

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Mat Pilates training on body composition, resting blood pressure, and lipids, glucose, and adiponectin levels in postmenopausal women with cardiometabolic multimorbidities. Design and method: Forty-seven postmenopausal women between 50 and 70 years were allocated into two groups based on the number of comorbidities: no more than 1 (COM n = 23) and at least 2 comorbidities (MULT n = 24). Both groups performed Mat Pilates three times a week for 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, resting blood pressure, body composition, and blood samples (lipidogram, adiponectin, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and uric acid) were evaluated. A two-factor Generalized Estimated Equation was used to compare groups, time, and their interaction (groups∗time). Results: Women in MULT presented higher body mass, body mass index, fat mass, and abdominal circumference than COM (p < 0.01). Blood pressure was reduced (p < 0.05) in both groups. Triglycerides decreased (p < 0.05) in COM and increases in MULT (p < 0.05) over time with no changes in total cholesterol, HDL, or LDL. Uric acid increases (p < 0.01) over time in both groups. Adiponectin had higher (p < 0.01) levels in the COM group and glycated hemoglobin decrease (p < 0.05) over time in both groups without changes in blood glucose. No interaction was found in any analyzed variable. Conclusions: These results suggest that 12 weeks of Mat Pilates training can improve blood pressure and glycated hemoglobin independent of the number of morbidities of cardiometabolic disease, but may not change body composition, lipids, glucose, or adiponectin levels in postmenopausal women.