Improvement of Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Flexibility, Strength and Muscle Power in Healthy ParticipantsNCT07107113
Pilates and Aerobic Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Flexibility, Strength, and Muscular Power in Young Adults
A study testing Pilates Exercise, Aerobic exercises and Pilates exercises plus aerobic exercise in people with Improvement of Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Flexibility, Strength and Muscle Power in Healthy Participants, run by Universidade Estadual do Norte do Parana at 1 site in Brazil.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Improvement of Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Flexibility, Strength and Muscle Power in Healthy Participants
- What is being tested?
- Pilates Exercise, Aerobic exercises and Pilates exercises plus aerobic exercise
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 80 participants
- Where
- 1 siteBrazil
- Study dates
- 10 Aug 2025to 10 Dec 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- female;
- age between 18 and 40 years; - not having exercised in the last 6 months;
- agreeing not to perform any other type of exercise during the study period;
- being fit to exercise according to the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) criteria;
- having no musculoskeletal or neurological disorders that could affect exercise performance;
- having no known cardiovascular or respiratory diseases;
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- having no cognitive impairment that could lead to the inability to follow simple commands;
- not being a smoker;
- not being pregnant;
- not being on any specific diets.
Who cannot join
- refusing to sign the informed consent form;
- being unable to complete the pre-intervention assessment procedures.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Brazil1 site
Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná
Jacarezinho, Paraná, 86400-000
About this study
Official title: Pilates and Aerobic Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Flexibility, Strength, and Muscular Power in Young Adults: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
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.
- Being tested
- Pilates Exercise, Aerobic exercises, Pilates exercises plus aerobic exercise
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Pilates ExerciseOther
Pilates exercises are characterized as muscle strengthening and stretching.
Aerobic exercisesOther
Aerobic exercises are characterized as a modality that works cardiorespiratory fitness.
Pilates exercises plus aerobic exerciseOther
Pilates exercises are characterized as muscle strengthening and stretching, while aerobic exercises are characterized as a modality that works cardiorespiratory fitness.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| 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. Receives: Other: Pilates Exercise |
| 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. Receives: Other: Aerobic exercises |
| 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. Receives: Other: Pilates exercises plus aerobic exercise |
| Control | No intervention | This group will be instructed to maintain their usual routine. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Maximum volume of oxygen obtained directly from inhaled and exhaled gases (V̇O2max) in a maximum incremental treadmill test.
Measured: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Secondary outcomes (5)
Flexibility
Range of motion measured with a fleximeter (º) for trunk movement in flexion and extension.
Measured: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Trunk muscle strength
Peak isokinetic torque of the trunk extensor and flexor muscles (cocentric/concentric) at 60°/s.
Measured: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Lower limb muscle strength
Peak isokinetic torque of the knee extensor and flexor muscles (cocentric/concentric) at 60°/s.
Measured: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Upper limb muscle strength
Peak isokinetic torque of the elbow extensor and flexor muscles (cocentric/concentric) at 60°/s.
Measured: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Lower limb muscle power
Lower limb muscle power (W) measured by countermovement jump on a force plate.
Measured: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Aug 2025
- Study start10 Aug 2025
- Primary completion10 Dec 2025
- Study completion10 Dec 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Improvement of Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Flexibility, Strength and Muscle Power in Healthy ParticipantsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Universidade Estadual do Norte do Parana
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Raphael Goncalves de Oliveira, Universidade Estadual do Norte do Parana
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07107113
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- GPASD_002_2025
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 30 Jul 2025
- Last updated
- 8 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Individual participant data will be provided as supplementary material upon publication of the study results.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Pilates and Aerobic Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Flexibility, Strength, and Muscular Power in Young Adults: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07107113
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- GPASD_002_2025
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Universidade Estadual do Norte do ParanaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Dec 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 6 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Pilates | Experimental | Other: Pilates ExerciseA 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. |
| Aerobic | Experimental | Other: Aerobic exercisesThe 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. |
| Pilates plus aerobic | Experimental | Other: Pilates exercises plus aerobic exerciseThey 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. |
| Control | No intervention | –This group will be instructed to maintain their usual routine. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (10 listed)
- female;
- age between 18 and 40 years; - not having exercised in the last 6 months;
- agreeing not to perform any other type of exercise during the study period;
- being fit to exercise according to the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) criteria;
- having no musculoskeletal or neurological disorders that could affect exercise performance;
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- refusing to sign the informed consent form;
- being unable to complete the pre-intervention assessment procedures.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Pilates ExercisePilates exercises are characterized as muscle strengthening and stretching. | Other | Pilates |
| Aerobic exercisesAerobic exercises are characterized as a modality that works cardiorespiratory fitness. | Other | Aerobic |
| Pilates exercises plus aerobic exercisePilates exercises are characterized as muscle strengthening and stretching, while aerobic exercises are characterized as a modality that works cardiorespiratory fitness. | Other | Pilates plus aerobic |
Primary outcome
Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Maximum volume of oxygen obtained directly from inhaled and exhaled gases (V̇O2max) in a maximum incremental treadmill test.
5 secondary outcomes
Flexibility
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Trunk muscle strength
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Lower limb muscle strength
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Upper limb muscle strength
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Lower limb muscle power
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 Jan 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Individual participant data will be provided as supplementary material upon publication of the study results.
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Pilates Exercise, Aerobic exercises and Pilates exercises plus aerobic exercise in people with Improvement of Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Flexibility, Strength and Muscle Power in Healthy Participants, run by Universidade Estadual do Norte do Parana at 1 site in Brazil.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 10 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Brazil. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Cardiorespiratory Fitness (time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Jan 2026.