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Pilates exercises have been shown to be effective for a range of outcomes; however, it is unclear whether they can effectively contribute to fat mass reduction, especially when compared with a technique known to be effective for this purpose, such as aerobic training. Furthermore, Pilates' potential for increasing lean mass also requires further investigation. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Pilates compared with aerobic training, as well as the combination of these activities, on body composition in young adults. Eighty women aged 18 to 40 years were randomized to four groups: Pilates (n = 20), aerobic (n = 20), Pilates plus aerobic (n = 20), and control (n = 20). Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), considering: total fat mass (kg), percentage of total fat mass (%), total lean mass (kg), and total lean mass adjusted for height (kg/m²). Additionally, total body mass (kg) and body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) values were considered. The interventions were carried out for 12 weeks, three times a week, lasting 60 minutes/session. Analyses were performed by intention-to-treat and per protocol.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilates | Experimental | A total of 13 exercises were selected for the Pilates group, including two stretching exercises and 11 strengthening exercises for the main muscle groups. Mat exercises and equipment exercises (Ladder Barrel, Cadillac, Step Chair, Reformer, Springboard, and Small Barrel) will be used. Two protocols will be adopted for progression (protocol 1: weeks 1-6; protocol 2: weeks 7-12). Two sets of 10 repetitions will be performed, with a 30-second rest between sets and exercises. The two-by-two rule will be used to increase the load. In this case, the load will increase when the participant performs ≥ 2 repetitions above their target of 10 repetitions in the last set, in two consecutive training sessions. The interventions will last 12 weeks, three times a week, for 60 minutes. |
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| Aerobic | Experimental | The aerobic group will perform walking/running exercises on a treadmill using the extensive interval training method. To define the intensity and periodization of the training, the running speed associated with V̇O2max (vV̇O2max), second ventilatory threshold (vLV2), and average speed between vV̇O2max and vLV2 (v50%Δ) will be used as reference. These parameters will be obtained from a maximal exercise test on a treadmill, performed before the start of the interventions. Two protocols will be adopted, with adjustments in density (work-to-recovery ratio) every two weeks. The interventions will last 12 weeks, three times a week, for 60 minutes. |
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| Pilates plus aerobic | Experimental | They will perform the same exercises as the Pilates group, however, with 1 set of 10 repetitions, with a 30-second rest between sets and exercises, totaling 30 minutes of intervention per session. In the second half of the intervention period, aerobic exercises will be performed, identical to those of the aerobic group, but for 30 minutes. The interventions will last 12 weeks, three times a week, for 60 minutes. |
| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilates exercises plus aerobic exercise | Other | Pilates exercises are characterized as muscle strengthening and stretching, while aerobic exercises are characterized as a modality that works cardiorespiratory fitness. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage of total body fat mass (%) | Percentage of total body fat mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) | Baseline and after 12 weeks |
| Total lean mass (kg) | Absolute total body lean mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) | Baseline and after 12 weeks |
| Total fat mass (Kg) | Absolute total body fat mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) | Baseline and after 12 weeks |
| Total lean mass adjusted for height (kg/m²) | Total lean mass adjusted for height assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) | Baseline and after 12 weeks |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Trunk fat mass (kg) | Trunk fat mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray densitometry (DXA) | Baseline and after 12 weeks |
| Upper limb fat mass (kg) | Upper limb fat mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray densitometry (DXA) |
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Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
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| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná | Jacarezinho | Paraná | 86400-000 | Brazil |
Individual participant data will be provided as supplementary material when the study results are published.
Between 09/01/2025 until the date of publication of the study.
The information will be freely accessible.
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D015444 | Exercise |
| D026241 | Exercise Movement Techniques |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D009043 | Motor Activity |
| D009068 | Movement |
| D009142 | Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena |
| D055687 | Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena |
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Researcher responsible for randomization
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| Control | No Intervention | This group will be instructed to maintain their usual routine. |
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| Pilates exercises | Other | Pilates exercises are characterized as muscle strengthening and stretching. |
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| Aerobic exercise | Other | Aerobic exercises are characterized as a modality that works cardiorespiratory fitness. |
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| Baseline and after 12 weeks |
| Lower limb fat mass (kg) | Lower limb fat mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray densitometry (DXA) | Baseline and after 12 weeks |
| Trunk lean mass (kg) | Trunk lean mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) | Baseline and after 12 weeks |
| Upper limb lean mass (kg) | Upper limb lean mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) | Baseline and after 12 weeks |
| Lower limb lean mass (kg) | Lower limb lean mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) | Baseline and after 12 weeks |
| Total body mass (kg) | Total body mass assessed by precision scale | Baseline and after 12 weeks |
| Body mass index (kg/m²) | Body mass index calculated by the ratio of total body mass (measured by a precision scale) to height (measured by a stadiometer) squared | Baseline and after 12 weeks |
| D026741 | Physical Therapy Modalities |
| D013812 | Therapeutics |