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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07308626

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Healhty

Age range

40 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Bursa Uludag University

Bursa, 16120, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Pilates is widely used to improve strength, posture, and flexibility, and it may also influence how the heart responds to exercise. Many Pilates programs use equipment such as the reformer, cadillac, and chair, which provide adjustable spring resistance and allow movement in different body positions. Although these apparatuses are commonly used in fitness and rehabilitation settings, little is known about whether they create different short-term effects on cardiovascular function or flexibility, especially in people who are sedentary.

This study designed to compare the immediate effects of three Pilates apparatuses-reformer, cadillac, and chair-on heart rate variability (a marker of cardiac autonomic activity) and flexibility in sedentary middle-aged women. Understanding these effects may help practitioners choose equipment that best supports specific goals, such as improving cardiovascular recovery or increasing muscle flexibility.

Each participant will complete one exercise session on each apparatus in a randomized order. Heart rate variability will be measured before exercise, during exercise, and throughout a short recovery period to observe how the body responded and returned to a resting state. Flexibility will be assessed before and after each session to determine the immediate physical benefit of the different apparatus types.

This study may help clarify whether specific Pilates equipment provides unique physiological advantages. Such information may support more targeted exercise prescriptions for individuals who are beginning Pilates, those with limited fitness experience, or those seeking improvements in flexibility or cardiovascular regulation.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • 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

Exclusion criteria

  • 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

Treatment and study plan

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.

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.

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

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

    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.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Flexibility (Sit-and-Reach Test)

    Time frame: Pre-exercise; immediately post-exercise; 40 minutes post-exercise

    Flexibility is assessed using a standardized sit-and-reach box. Participants perform two trials, and the best score (in centimeters) is recorded. This measure evaluates immediate and short-term changes in lower-back and hamstring flexibility after each apparatus session.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Acute Effects of Reformer, Cadillac, and Chair Pilates Appa-ratuses on Cardiac Autonomic Modulation and Flexibility in Sedentary Middle-Aged Women

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Dec 29, 2025
Registry last updated
Jan 16, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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