Effects of Core Stability Training Using Pilates on Core Muscle Strength, Pulmonary Function, and Cardio-respiratory Fitness in the Elderly.

NCT07470060 | Completed

• 2 other identifiers: WUEC-24-333-01Grant Contract Number: WU67252
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 29
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study investigates how different types of exercise-specifically Mat Pilates and Aerobic training-can help improve the physical health and breathing capacity of healthy older adults aged 60 to 77. As we age, our bodies naturally experience a decline in core strength and lung function, which can make daily activities more tiring. The goal of this research is to compare whether the specialized breathing and core-strengthening techniques of Pilates provide better results for respiratory health and physical endurance than traditional treadmill walking. Study Structure A total of 29 participants from Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Pilates Group: Practicing Mat Pilates sessions focused on core stability and controlled breathing. Aerobic Group: Performing moderate-intensity treadmill walking. Control Group: Maintaining their normal daily routine without a structured exercise program. Duration \& Intensity Both exercise groups trained for 60 minutes, three times a week, over an 8-week period. By comparing these groups, the study aims to identify effective exercise options that can help seniors maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Conditions

Healthy Aging; Physical Fitness; Core Stability; Respiratory Function

Keywords

Mat Pilates; Older Adults; Pulmonary Function; 6-Minute Walk Test; Core Strengthening; Cardiorespiratory Fitness; Exercise Intervention

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Core Stability (Prone Bridge Test)

  The total time that the participant can maintain a neutral spine position during the Prone Bridge (Plank) Test. This measures the endurance of the core stabilizing muscles. Unit of Measure: Seconds

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8).

Secondary Outcomes (8)

• Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

• Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1)

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

• FEV1/FVC Ratio

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

• Forced Expiratory Flow at 25-75% (FEF25-75%)

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

• Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV)

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

Study Arms (3)

Pilates Training Group (PTG)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants receive an 8-week Mat Pilates program (60 mins, 3 times/week) focused on core stability and breathing mechanics.

Behavioral: Mat Pilates Program

Aerobic Training Group (ATG)

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants perform moderate-intensity treadmill walking (60 mins, 3 times/week) at 55%-70% Heart Rate Reserve.

Behavioral: Aerobic Exercise (Treadmill Walking)

Control Group (CON)

NO INTERVENTION

Participants maintain their usual lifestyle and daily activities without any new structured exercise program.

Interventions

Mat Pilates Program BEHAVIORAL

A structured 8-week intervention involving 60-minute group sessions, 3 times weekly. Includes 10-minute warm-up, 40-minute Mat Pilates (core activation, limb coordination, and lateral breathing), and 10-minute cool-down. Intensity: 55%-70% HRR.

Pilates Training Group (PTG)

Aerobic Exercise (Treadmill Walking) BEHAVIORAL

An 8-week aerobic program consisting of 60-minute treadmill sessions, 3 times weekly. Includes 10-minute warm-up, 40-minute moderate-intensity walking at 55%-70% HRR, and 10-minute cool-down.

Aerobic Training Group (ATG)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 60 Years - 77 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Healthy older adults aged 60-77 years.
• Non-smokers.
• Capable of independent movement and daily activities.
• Not engaged in any structured exercise program for at least 6 months prior to enrollment.
• Free from dietary supplementation for at least 6 months.
• Controlled hypertension (120-159/80-99 mmHg) with physician clearance.
• Willing to provide written informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• Severe cardiovascular or respiratory diseases.
• Acute or chronic musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, arthritis, or gout).
• Severe back pain or tendinitis that hinders exercise.
• Uncontrolled hypertension.
• Use of medications that significantly affect heart rate or physical performance.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Walailak University: lead
• Chulalongkorn University: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

School of Medicine, Walailak University

Nakhon Si Thammarat, Changwat Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Respiratory Aspiration

Interventions

Exercise

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Respiration Disorders; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena

Study Officials

• Bulin Jirapongsatorn, Master degree

  School of Medicine, Walailak University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Participants and instructors could not be blinded due to the nature of exercise interventions. However, the outcome assessors and data analysts were blinded to the group assignments.
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: A three-arm, randomized, parallel-group trial. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: Mat Pilates Training, Aerobic Training, or Control, with a 1:1:1 allocation ratio.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 8, 2026
• First Posted: March 13, 2026
• Study Start: September 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: March 15, 2025
• Study Completion: March 31, 2025
• Last Updated: March 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TH (1)