Effects of Training Based on the Pilates Method on the Blood Pressure of Hypertensive Women

Blood Pressure, Autonomic Heart Rate Modulation, Cardiorespiratory Parameters, Functionality and Quality of Life in Hypertensive Women After 16 Weeks of Training Based on the Pilates Method

The main objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the effect of the Pilates method associated with aerobic exercise and the traditional Pilates method on the blood pressure of hypertensive medicated women. In addition, we aim to analyze and compare the chronic effects of training on cardiac autonomic modulation, on cardiorespiratory fitness, functionality and quality of life.

Subjects will be allocated randomly in three groups: (1) Traditional Pilates group, which will perform only exercises based on the traditional Pilates method, (2) Modified Pilates group, which will perform exercises based on the Pilates method alternated with active rest periods on treadmill ergometer, (3) Control group: will not perform any physical exercise during the trial period. The sessions will be performed two times a week, during 16 weeks. Subjects will be evaluated before and after 16 weeks of intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Hypertensive women
• Age 30 to 59
• Sedentary or who do not practice any form of physical exercise regularly for at least 6 months
• Make use of antihypertensive medication
• Who have medical clearance for physical exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

• Complaint of pain that influences or makes the performance of the tests / exercises proposed impossible
• Congenital or acquired anomalies of upper limbs and lower limbs
• Presence of musculoskeletal disease or injury that interfere the performance of exercises
• Changes in pharmacological treatment during the experimental period
• Release for physical activity suspended during intervention
• Absence in more than 25% of the exercise sessions