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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 improving cardiorespiratory fitness, especially when compared with aerobic training, which is known to be effective for this purpose. Furthermore, the differences between these modalities for outcomes such as flexibility, strength, and muscular power require further investigation. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of Pilates compared to aerobic training, as well as the combination of these activities, on cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, strength, and muscular power in young adults. Eighty women aged 18 to 40 will be randomized to four groups: Pilates (n = 20), aerobic (n = 20), Pilates plus aerobic (n = 20), and control (n = 20). Cardiorespiratory fitness will be assessed directly to estimate V̇O2max. Trunk flexibility in flexion and extension will be measured with a fleximeter (°). Lower-limb, upper-limb, and trunk muscle strength will be assessed by isokinetic dynamometry (N.m), while lower-limb muscle power (W) will be assessed by countermovement jumping on a force platform. Interventions will be conducted for 12 weeks, three times a week, with a 60-minute session duration. Analyses will be conducted 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 a 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 Exercise | Other | Pilates exercises are characterized as muscle strengthening and stretching. |
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| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiorespiratory Fitness | Maximum volume of oxygen obtained directly from inhaled and exhaled gases (V̇O2max) in a maximum incremental treadmill test. | Baseline and after 12 weeks |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Range of motion measured with a fleximeter (º) for trunk movement in flexion and extension. | Baseline and after 12 weeks |
| Trunk muscle strength | Peak isokinetic torque of the trunk extensor and flexor muscles (cocentric/concentric) at 60°/s. |
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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 upon publication of the study results.
From September 1, 2025, until the date of publication of the study.
The information will be freely accessible.
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| Control | No Intervention | This group will be instructed to maintain their usual routine. |
| Aerobic exercises | Other | Aerobic exercises are characterized as a modality that works cardiorespiratory fitness. |
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| 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. |
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| Baseline and after 12 weeks |
| Lower limb muscle strength | Peak isokinetic torque of the knee extensor and flexor muscles (cocentric/concentric) at 60°/s. | Baseline and after 12 weeks |
| Upper limb muscle strength | Peak isokinetic torque of the elbow extensor and flexor muscles (cocentric/concentric) at 60°/s. | Baseline and after 12 weeks |
| Lower limb muscle power | Lower limb muscle power (W) measured by countermovement jump on a force plate. | Baseline and after 12 weeks |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D026241 | Exercise Movement Techniques |
| D015444 | Exercise |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D026741 | Physical Therapy Modalities |
| D013812 | Therapeutics |
| D009043 | Motor Activity |
| D009068 | Movement |
| D009142 | Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena |
| D055687 | Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena |
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