Energy Cost and Metabolic Intensity of Pilates Exercises in Older Adults

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Energy Metabolism, Exercise, Aging

In brief

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.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07621523

Run by

Universidade Estadual do Norte do Parana

People needed

20

Starts

2026-06-01

Expected to finish

2026-12-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-06-02

Who can join

Age: 60 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age 60 years or older;
• Body mass index (BMI) between 22 and 27 kg/m²;
• Not currently undergoing dietary treatment or program for weight gain or loss;
• No severe musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., osteoarthritis grade III or IV, moderate-to-severe pain ≥ 4 on the NRS 0-10 scale) or neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis);
• Continuously practicing Pilates for at least 6 months prior to enrollment, with a minimum frequency of twice per week.

You may not qualify if…

• Chronic decompensated conditions that may pose health risks during exercise (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, bronchitis, asthma);
• Any history of cardiovascular events (e.g., coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular heart disease);
• Decompensated metabolic diseases or use of medications with recognized direct impact on energy and glycemic metabolism, including antidiabetics and systemic corticosteroids;
• Positive response to any item on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q).

Where it is running

• Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná — Jacarezinho, Paraná, Brazil (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

Trial information comes from ClinicalTrials.gov and is refreshed daily. TrialsForMe does not provide medical care and does not run the studies it lists.