Acute Effects of Reformer, Cadillac, and Chair Pilates Appa-ratuses on Cardiac Autonomic Modulation and Flexibility

NCT07308626 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: PNU-8
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 15
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study looked at how different types of Pilates equipment affect heart function and flexibility right after exercise in sedentary middle-aged women. Pilates can be performed on several apparatuses, such as the reformer, cadillac, and chair, and each device places different demands on the body. However, it is not well known whether these differences lead to different short-term effects on the heart or on flexibility. In this study, 15 women completed three separate Pilates sessions-one on each apparatus-on different days. During every session, researchers measured heart rate variability (a way to assess how the heart responds to and recovers from exercise). Flexibility was also tested before and after each session. This information may help instructors and clinicians choose the most appropriate Pilates equipment based on individual goals.

Conditions

Healhty

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

  Heart rate fluctuations are measured using a chest-strap heart rate monitor to evaluate cardiac autonomic modulation. The measurements include the average time between heartbeats, the root mean square of differences between successive heartbeats, and the standard deviation of normal heartbeat intervals. These values are analyzed using specialized heart rhythm analysis software. Increases or decreases in these values reflect changes in autonomic nervous system activity. This outcome is used to compare acute cardiovascular responses between the different Pilates apparatus sessions.

  Pre-exercise; during exercise; 10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes post-exercise

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Flexibility (Sit-and-Reach Test)

  Pre-exercise; immediately post-exercise; 40 minutes post-exercise

Study Arms (3)

Reformer Pilates Session

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants complete a single 50-minute Pilates session on a reformer apparatus using standardized beginner-level exercises. All movements are performed under instructor supervision. This arm is part of a randomized crossover design in which all participants complete all three apparatus conditions.

Behavioral: Reformer-based Pilates

Cadillac Pilates Session

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants complete a single 50-minute Pilates session on a cadillac apparatus using standardized beginner-level exercises. This arm is one condition within the randomized crossover design, and all participants perform this and the other apparatus sessions.

Behavioral: Cadillac-based Pilates

Chair Pilates Session

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants complete a single 50-minute Pilates session on a Pilates chair apparatus using standardized beginner-level exercises. All participants complete this arm as part of the crossover structure.

Behavioral: Chair Pilates Session

Interventions

Reformer-based Pilates BEHAVIORAL

A supervised 50-minute Pilates exercise session performed on the reformer apparatus. Participants complete standardized beginner-level movements using spring resistance. The session emphasizes controlled full-body movement and postural stability.

Reformer Pilates Session

Cadillac-based Pilates BEHAVIORAL

A supervised 50-minute Pilates session using the cadillac apparatus. Participants perform beginner-level exercises incorporating bars and spring systems to support controlled movement patterns targeting the upper and lower body.

Cadillac Pilates Session

Chair Pilates Session BEHAVIORAL

A supervised 50-minute Pilates session performed on a Pilates chair apparatus. Participants complete a series of standardized beginner-level exercises using spring resistance to train core control, lower-limb strength, and stability.

Chair Pilates Session

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 40 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Female
• Age 40 to 60 years
• Sedentary (not engaged in regular physical activity)
• No prior experience with Pilates apparatus-based exercise
• Able to provide informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Known metabolic or cardiovascular disease
• Regular use of medications that influence heart rate or autonomic function
• Current smoker
• Musculoskeletal injuries or limitations that prevent safe participation in exercise
• Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, would interfere with study participation or data collection

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Bursa Uludag University

Bursa, 16120, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: BASIC SCIENCE
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Prof

Model Details: This study uses a randomized, counterbalanced crossover design in which all participants complete three separate Pilates exercise sessions performed on different apparatuses (reformer, cadillac, and chair). Each participant experiences all interventions in a rotating order to minimize sequence effects. The crossover model allows each participant to serve as her own control, improving the ability to detect differences in acute physiological responses between apparatus types

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 9, 2025
• First Posted: December 29, 2025
• Study Start: July 25, 2025
• Primary Completion: September 25, 2025
• Study Completion: October 25, 2025
• Last Updated: January 16, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Locations

TU (1)