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Cardiorespiratory responses: Pilates compared to different walking speeds in healthy adults

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Abstract

Background

The impact of a single-session Pilates exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness and metabolic parameters is still uncertain.

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the cardiorespiratory changes during a single-session Pilates exercise and compare cardiorespiratory fitness-related parameters with walking at different speeds on a treadmill, at low (3.2 kph) and moderate intensities (4.8 kph).

Methods

Cardiorespiratory responses were measured with a cardiopulmonary exercise test device in 31 healthy young adults at rest, during a single Pilates session, walking at 3.2 kph and walking at 4.8 kph. The study design employed a cross-over design. Participants were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: a Pilates training session following treadmill walking or treadmill walking following a Pilates training session.

Results

Mean MET, oxygen and energy consumption during Pilates were similar to walking at 3.2 kph (p > 0.05), but significantly lower than walking at 4.8 kph (p < 0.05). The mean heart rate during Pilates was higher than walking at 3.2 kph (p < 0.05), but similar to walking at 4.8 kph (p > 0.05). Significantly higher carbohydrate metabolism was used during Pilates compared to walking (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The cardiopulmonary responses to a single Pilates session are similar to walking at a speed of 3.2 kph but lower than walking at 4.8 kph. These results indicate that while Pilates may not generate sufficient cardiopulmonary changes to enhance cardiorespiratory fitness as a moderate-intensity exercise in healthy young adults, it may still offer other benefits such as improvements in flexibility, core strength, and posture.

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Funding

The assessment devices and physiotherapy laboratories used in this study was funded by the Department of Scientific Research Projects, Izmir Katip Celebi University (Project ID: 2017-2ONP-SABF-0008, Title: Establishment of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Vocational Skills, Education, Research, and Innovation Laboratory Infrastructure); https://www.ikcu.edu.tr/.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey

    Sukriye Cansu Gultekin

  2. Graduate School of Health Sciences, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey

    Sukriye Cansu Gultekin

  3. Department of Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy-Rehabilitation, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey

    Buse Ozcan Kahraman

  4. Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey

    Turhan Kahraman

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  1. Sukriye Cansu Gultekin
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Correspondence to Sukriye Cansu Gultekin.

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Gultekin, S.C., Ozcan Kahraman, B. & Kahraman, T. Cardiorespiratory responses: Pilates compared to different walking speeds in healthy adults. Ir J Med Sci 193, 139–147 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-023-03468-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-023-03468-6

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