Elevated Blood PressureNCT07819058
Acute Effect Of Pilates On Blood Pressure In Women
A study testing Pilates Exercise and Walking Exercise in people with Elevated Blood Pressure, run by Universidade Estadual do Norte do Parana at 1 site in Brazil.
Trial summary
The objective of this randomized crossover clinical trial was to evaluate the acute effect of a Pilates exercise session on blood pressure in women aged 50 years or older. The main questions investigated were: Did a single Pilates exercise session alter blood pressure in the 24 hours following the intervention? Did… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 50 years and older, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Elevated Blood Pressure
- What is being tested?
- Pilates Exercise and Walking Exercise
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 15 participants
- Where
- 1 siteBrazil
- Study dates
- 1 Aug 2024to 31 Dec 2024
- 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 50 years and older
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Women aged 50 years or older.
- Elevated blood pressure or hypertension, regardless of antihypertensive medication use.
- No injury or health condition that prevented participation in the exercise protocols.
- Agreement not to engage in other physical exercise during the study period.
- Willingness to participate in all study procedures and provide informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Failure to participate in or complete any of the study protocols or exercise sessions.
- Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring errors that compromised the analysis of the study outcomes.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Brazil1 site
State University of Northern Paraná
Jacarezinho, Paraná, 86400-000
About this study
Official title: Acute Effect Of Pilates Exercises On Blood Pressure In Women: A Randomized Crossover Trial
The objective of this randomized crossover clinical trial was to evaluate the acute effect of a Pilates exercise session on blood pressure in women aged 50 years or older. The main questions investigated were:
- Did a single Pilates exercise session alter blood pressure in the 24 hours following the intervention?
- Did the effects of Pilates on blood pressure differ from those observed after a treadmill walking session? All participants initially underwent a control condition, which involved a health history assessment and the fitting of a blood pressure monitor for 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Following this condition, participants were randomly assigned to one of two intervention sequences: Pilates followed by walking, or walking followed by Pilates. The two interventions were performed with a six-day interval between sessions.
In the Pilates condition, participants performed a session lasting approximately 50 minutes, consisting of 10 exercises. In the walking condition, they performed approximately 50 minutes of treadmill walking at an intensity corresponding to 60-70% of their maximum heart rate. After each experimental condition, blood pressure was monitored for 24 hours using ABPM.
Read the detailed description
This randomized crossover clinical trial investigated the acute effect of a single Pilates exercise session on ambulatory blood pressure in women aged 50 years or older with elevated blood pressure.
The study was conducted through three experimental sessions. In the first session, all participants underwent the control/baseline condition, which included clinical and sociodemographic assessment, familiarization with the assessment procedures, and baseline blood pressure measurements. An ambulatory blood pressure monitoring device was then fitted and maintained for 24 hours without exercise, establishing the control condition.
Following the control/baseline session, participants were randomly assigned to one of two intervention sequences: Pilates followed by walking or walking followed by Pilates. A six-day interval was maintained between the experimental sessions. Thus, all participants completed both exercise interventions, but the order of the interventions was randomized.
The walking session was performed on a treadmill for 50 minutes at an individually prescribed intensity of 60-70% of heart rate reserve. Heart rate was continuously monitored throughout the session, and treadmill speed was adjusted as necessary to maintain the target intensity.
The Pilates session was performed on a mat using body weight and a Magic Circle accessory. The session lasted 50 minutes and consisted of 10 exercises involving the trunk, upper limbs, and lower limbs. Each exercise was performed for one set of 10 repetitions, with a one-minute interval between exercises. Participants were previously instructed and familiarized with the correct execution of the exercises.
After each exercise session, ambulatory blood pressure was monitored for 24 hours. Monitoring began at 2:00 PM and included measurements during both waking and sleeping periods. Participants maintained their usual medication regimen throughout the study and recorded relevant daily information, including medication use, meals, sleep and wake times, and stressful events, in an activity diary.
Heart rate, perceived exertion, satisfaction, and affective responses were also assessed during the exercise sessions to characterize the physiological and subjective responses to the two exercise modalities.
The study was conducted in accordance with ethical principles for research involving human participants and received approval from the Research Ethics Committee under opinion number 4.170.827. All participants provided informed consent before participation.
- Conditions
- Elevated Blood Pressure
- Being tested
- Pilates Exercise, Walking Exercise
- Keywords
- Blood Pressure; Hypertension; Pilates; Exercise; Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring; Acute Exercise
- Medical subject headings
- Hypertension, Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Pilates ExerciseBehavioural
A single 50-minute Pilates exercise session was performed on a mat using body weight and a Metalife Magic Circle. The session consisted of 10 exercises, with one set of 10 repetitions for each exercise and a 1-minute interval between exercises. The exercises targeted mobility, flexibility, strengthening, and trunk and lower- and upper-limb movements. Participants were previously familiarized with the exercises and instructed on their proper execution.
Walking ExerciseBehavioural
A single 50-minute walking session was performed on a treadmill. Exercise intensity was individually prescribed at 60-70% of heart rate reserve, with continuous heart rate monitoring throughout the session. Treadmill speed was progressively adjusted as needed to maintain the target heart rate range.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Pilates → Walking | Experimental | Participants first completed a 50-minute Pilates exercise session. The session consisted of 10 exercises performed on a mat using body weight and a Metalife Magic Circle, with one set of 10 repetitions for each exercise and a 1-minute interval between exercises. After a 6-day washout period, participants completed a 50-minute walking session on a treadmill at 60-70% of heart rate reserve. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed for 24 hours after each exercise session. Receives: Behavioral: Pilates Exercise; Behavioral: Walking Exercise |
| Walking → Pilates | Experimental | Participants first completed a 50-minute walking session on a treadmill at 60-70% of heart rate reserve. After a 6-day washout period, participants completed a 50-minute Pilates exercise session. The Pilates session consisted of 10 exercises performed on a mat using body weight and a Metalife Magic Circle, with one set of 10 repetitions for each exercise and a 1-minute interval between exercises. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed for 24 hours after each exercise session. Receives: Behavioral: Pilates Exercise; Behavioral: Walking Exercise |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
24-hour ambulatory blood pressure
Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure was assessed after each experimental condition using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded throughout the 24-hour monitoring period, including waking and sleeping periods, to evaluate the acute effects of Pilates and walking on blood pressure.
Measured: 24 hours after each experimental condition
Secondary outcomes (5)
Systolic Blood Pressure
Systolic blood pressure was assessed using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring after each condition. Mean values were evaluated for the total 24-hour period and separately for waking and sleeping periods to compare the acute responses to Pilates, treadmill walking, and the control condition.
Measured: 24 hours after each condition
Diastolic Blood Pressure
Diastolic blood pressure was assessed using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring after each condition. Mean values were evaluated for the total 24-hour period and separately for waking and sleeping periods to compare the acute responses to Pilates, treadmill walking, and the control condition.
Measured: 24 hours after each condition
Mean Arterial Pressure
Mean arterial pressure was assessed using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring after each condition. Mean values were evaluated for the total 24-hour period and separately for waking and sleeping periods to compare the acute responses to Pilates, treadmill walking, and the control condition.
Measured: 24 hours after each condition
Pulse Pressure
Pulse pressure was assessed using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring after each condition. Mean values were evaluated for the total 24-hour period and separately for waking and sleeping periods to compare the acute responses to Pilates, treadmill walking, and the control condition.
Measured: 24 hours after each condition
Affective Valence
Affective response was assessed during each exercise session using an 11-point bipolar Affective Valence Scale ranging from -5 (very bad) to +5 (very good), with 0 representing a neutral state. The scale was administered at 10 time points during each exercise session.
Measured: During each 50-minute exercise session
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Sep 2026
- Study start1 Aug 2024
- Primary completion31 Dec 2024
- Study completion31 Dec 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Elevated Blood PressureStudies 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 15 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Universidade Estadual do Norte do Parana
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07819058
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 4170827
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 8 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 14 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Acute Effect Of Pilates Exercises On Blood Pressure In Women: A Randomized Crossover Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07819058
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 4170827
- Conditions
- Elevated Blood Pressure
- Keywords
- Blood Pressure; Hypertension; Pilates; Exercise; Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring; Acute Exercise
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 15 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Universidade Estadual do Norte do ParanaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Aug 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 14 Sep 2026 (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.
The objective of this randomized crossover clinical trial was to evaluate the acute effect of a Pilates exercise session on blood pressure in women aged 50 years or older. The main questions investigated were:
- Did a single Pilates exercise session alter blood pressure in the 24 hours following the intervention?
- Did the effects of Pilates on blood pressure differ from those observed after a treadmill walking session? All participants initially underwent a control condition, which involved a health history assessment and the fitting of a blood pressure monitor for 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Following this condition, participants were randomly assigned to one of two intervention sequences: Pilates followed by walking, or walking followed by Pilates. The two interventions were performed with a six-day interval between sessions.
In the Pilates condition, participants performed a session lasting approximately 50 minutes, consisting of 10 exercises. In the walking condition, they performed approximately 50 minutes of treadmill walking at an intensity corresponding to 60-70% of their maximum heart rate. After each experimental condition, blood pressure was monitored for 24 hours using ABPM.
Detailed description
This randomized crossover clinical trial investigated the acute effect of a single Pilates exercise session on ambulatory blood pressure in women aged 50 years or older with elevated blood pressure.
The study was conducted through three experimental sessions. In the first session, all participants underwent the control/baseline condition, which included clinical and sociodemographic assessment, familiarization with the assessment procedures, and baseline blood pressure measurements. An ambulatory blood pressure monitoring device was then fitted and maintained for 24 hours without exercise, establishing the control condition.
Following the control/baseline session, participants were randomly assigned to one of two intervention sequences: Pilates followed by walking or walking followed by Pilates. A six-day interval was maintained between the experimental sessions. Thus, all participants completed both exercise interventions, but the order of the interventions was randomized.
The walking session was performed on a treadmill for 50 minutes at an individually prescribed intensity of 60-70% of heart rate reserve. Heart rate was continuously monitored throughout the session, and treadmill speed was adjusted as necessary to maintain the target intensity.
The Pilates session was performed on a mat using body weight and a Magic Circle accessory. The session lasted 50 minutes and consisted of 10 exercises involving the trunk, upper limbs, and lower limbs. Each exercise was performed for one set of 10 repetitions, with a one-minute interval between exercises. Participants were previously instructed and familiarized with the correct execution of the exercises.
After each exercise session, ambulatory blood pressure was monitored for 24 hours. Monitoring began at 2:00 PM and included measurements during both waking and sleeping periods. Participants maintained their usual medication regimen throughout the study and recorded relevant daily information, including medication use, meals, sleep and wake times, and stressful events, in an activity diary.
Heart rate, perceived exertion, satisfaction, and affective responses were also assessed during the exercise sessions to characterize the physiological and subjective responses to the two exercise modalities.
The study was conducted in accordance with ethical principles for research involving human participants and received approval from the Research Ethics Committee under opinion number 4.170.827. All participants provided informed consent before participation.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Pilates → Walking | Experimental | Behavioral: Pilates Exercise, Behavioral: Walking ExerciseParticipants first completed a 50-minute Pilates exercise session. The session consisted of 10 exercises performed on a mat using body weight and a Metalife Magic Circle, with one set of 10 repetitions for each exercise and a 1-minute interval between exercises. After a 6-day washout period, participants completed a 50-minute walking session on a treadmill at 60-70% of heart rate reserve. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed for 24 hours after each exercise session. |
| Walking → Pilates | Experimental | Behavioral: Pilates Exercise, Behavioral: Walking ExerciseParticipants first completed a 50-minute walking session on a treadmill at 60-70% of heart rate reserve. After a 6-day washout period, participants completed a 50-minute Pilates exercise session. The Pilates session consisted of 10 exercises performed on a mat using body weight and a Metalife Magic Circle, with one set of 10 repetitions for each exercise and a 1-minute interval between exercises. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed for 24 hours after each exercise session. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 50 years and older
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Women aged 50 years or older.
- Elevated blood pressure or hypertension, regardless of antihypertensive medication use.
- No injury or health condition that prevented participation in the exercise protocols.
- Agreement not to engage in other physical exercise during the study period.
- Willingness to participate in all study procedures and provide informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Failure to participate in or complete any of the study protocols or exercise sessions.
- Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring errors that compromised the analysis of the study outcomes.
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 ExerciseA single 50-minute Pilates exercise session was performed on a mat using body weight and a Metalife Magic Circle. The session consisted of 10 exercises, with one set of 10 repetitions for each exercise and a 1-minute interval between exercises. The exercises targeted mobility, flexibility, strengthening, and trunk and lower- and upper-limb movements. Participants were previously familiarized with the exercises and instructed on their proper execution. | Behavioural | Pilates → Walking, Walking → Pilates |
| Walking ExerciseA single 50-minute walking session was performed on a treadmill. Exercise intensity was individually prescribed at 60-70% of heart rate reserve, with continuous heart rate monitoring throughout the session. Treadmill speed was progressively adjusted as needed to maintain the target heart rate range. | Behavioural | Pilates → Walking, Walking → Pilates |
Primary outcome
24-hour ambulatory blood pressure
Time frame: 24 hours after each experimental condition
Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure was assessed after each experimental condition using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded throughout the 24-hour monitoring period, including waking and sleeping periods, to evaluate the acute effects of Pilates and walking on blood pressure.
5 secondary outcomes
Systolic Blood Pressure
Time frame: 24 hours after each condition
Diastolic Blood Pressure
Time frame: 24 hours after each condition
Mean Arterial Pressure
Time frame: 24 hours after each condition
Pulse Pressure
Time frame: 24 hours after each condition
Affective Valence
Time frame: During each 50-minute exercise session
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 14 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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 and Walking Exercise in people with Elevated Blood Pressure, 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 5 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 14 Sep 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?
24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (time frame: 24 hours after each experimental condition). 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 14 Sep 2026.