Energy Cost and Metabolic Intensity of Pilates Exercises in Older Adults

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Mat Pilates: 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: 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: 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 summary

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.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Metabolic Intensity — At baseline (pre-session), during each 50-minute exercise session, and 30 minutes after session completion.
  Metabolic intensity will be assessed as metabolic equivalents (METs) measured by portable indirect calorimetry (Cosmed K5, breath-by-breath) during each exercise session. METs will be calculated using the older adult reference value (1 MET₆₀ = 2.7 mL/kg/min).
• Energy Expenditure — At baseline (pre-session), during each 50-minute exercise session, and 30 minutes after session completion.
  Total energy expenditure (kcal) will be measured by portable indirect calorimetry (Cosmed K5, breath-by-breath) during each exercise session.

Trial sites (1)

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