Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná
Jacarezinho, Paraná, 86400-000, Brazil
Completed
NCT Number: NCT07107061
PILATES AND AEROBIC TRAINING ON BODY COMPOSITION IN YOUNG ADULTS
Pilates exercises have been shown to be effective for a range of outcomes; however, it is unclear whether they can effectively contribute to fat mass reduction, especially when compared with a technique known to be effective for this purpose, such as aerobic training. Furthermore, Pilates' potential for increasing lean mass also requires further investigation. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Pilates compared with aerobic training, as well as the combination of these activities, on body composition in young adults. Eighty women aged 18 to 40 years were randomized to four groups: Pilates (n = 20), aerobic (n = 20), Pilates plus aerobic (n = 20), and control (n = 20). Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), considering: total fat mass (kg), percentage of total fat mass (%), total lean mass (kg), and total lean mass adjusted for height (kg/m²). Additionally, total body mass (kg) and body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) values were considered. The interventions were carried out for 12 weeks, three times a week, lasting 60 minutes/session. Analyses were performed by intention-to-treat and per protocol.
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Conditions
Age range
18 year–40 year
Sex eligibility
Female
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Not applicable
Primary location
Who can participate
Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes
Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.
Inclusion criteria
- 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;
- Not having musculoskeletal or neurological disorders that could affect exercise performance;
- Not having known cardiovascular or respiratory diseases;
- Not having cognitive impairment that leads to the inability to follow simple commands;
- Not being a smoker;
- Not being pregnant;
- Not being on any specific diets.
Exclusion criteria
- Refusing to sign the informed consent form;
- Unable to complete the pre-intervention assessment procedures.
Treatment and study plan
Pilates exercises plus aerobic exercise
OtherPilates exercises are characterized as muscle strengthening and stretching, while aerobic exercises are characterized as a modality that works cardiorespiratory fitness.
Other names: Pilates, aeróbio
Pilates exercises
OtherPilates exercises are characterized as muscle strengthening and stretching.
Other names: Pilates
Aerobic Exercise
OtherAerobic exercises are characterized as a modality that works cardiorespiratory fitness.
Other names: aerobic
Primary outcomes
-
Percentage of total body fat mass (%)
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Percentage of total body fat mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
-
Total lean mass (kg)
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Absolute total body lean mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
-
Total fat mass (Kg)
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Absolute total body fat mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
-
Total lean mass adjusted for height (kg/m²)
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Total lean mass adjusted for height assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
Secondary outcomes
-
Trunk fat mass (kg)
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Trunk fat mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray densitometry (DXA)
-
Upper limb fat mass (kg)
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Upper limb fat mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray densitometry (DXA)
-
Lower limb fat mass (kg)
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Lower limb fat mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray densitometry (DXA)
-
Trunk lean mass (kg)
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Trunk lean mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
-
Upper limb lean mass (kg)
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Upper limb lean mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
-
Lower limb lean mass (kg)
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Lower limb lean mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
-
Total body mass (kg)
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Total body mass assessed by precision scale
-
Body mass index (kg/m²)
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks
Body mass index calculated by the ratio of total body mass (measured by a precision scale) to height (measured by a stadiometer) squared
Sponsors and collaborators
Lead sponsor
Universidade Estadual do Norte do Parana
Other
Registry information
Official study title
Pilates and Aerobic Training on Body Composition in Young Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Important dates
- Study start
- 2025
- Primary completion
- 2025
- Study completion
- 2025
- First posted
- Aug 6, 2025
- Registry last updated
- Jan 8, 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.