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

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

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.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Healthy Aging; Physical Fitness; Respiratory Function; Core Stability
• Intervention / Treatment: Behavioral: Mat Pilates Program; Behavioral: Aerobic Exercise (Treadmill Walking)

Detailed Description

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) utilizes a three-arm parallel-group design to examine the comparative impacts of Mat Pilates and aerobic exercise on pulmonary function, core muscle strength, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy older adults.

Methodology and Participants:

Twenty-nine healthy, non-smoking older adults (aged 60-77) were enrolled. Participants were stratified by sex, age, and baseline core stability (assessed via the plank test) before being randomly assigned to the Pilates Training Group (PTG), Aerobic Training Group (ATG), or Control Group (CON).

Intervention Protocol:

Pilates Group (PTG): An 8-week program consisting of 60-minute sessions, three times weekly. The sessions focus on lateral breathing mechanics and core activation ("the powerhouse"), including multi-directional stepping and trunk rotation, maintained at 55%-70% of Heart Rate Reserve (HRR).

Aerobic Group (ATG): Moderate-intensity treadmill walking for 60 minutes, three times weekly, also maintained at 55%-70% HRR.

Control Group (CON): Participants were instructed to maintain their usual lifestyle and physical activity levels.

Key Assessments:

Outcome measures include pulmonary function (spirometry: FVC, FEV1, MVV), core endurance (prone bridge test), lower and upper body flexibility (sit-and-reach and back-scratch tests), and functional aerobic capacity (6-Minute Walk Test).

The study aims to bridge the gap in clinical literature regarding which exercise modality offers superior benefits for the "core-pulmonary" synergy-the relationship between trunk stability and respiratory efficiency-in the aging population.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 29
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Thailand
  • Changwat Nakhon Si Thammarat
    • Nakhon Si Thammarat, Changwat Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, 80160
      • School of Medicine, Walailak university

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• 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.

Exclusion Criteria:

• 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.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Prevention
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Single

Number of Arms

3

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Pilates Training Group (PTG); Participants receive an 8-week Mat Pilates program (60 mins, 3 times/week) focused on core stability and breathing mechanics.	Behavioral: Mat Pilates Program; 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.
Active Comparator: Aerobic Training Group (ATG); Participants perform moderate-intensity treadmill walking (60 mins, 3 times/week) at 55%-70% Heart Rate Reserve.	Behavioral: Aerobic Exercise (Treadmill Walking); 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.
No Intervention: Control Group (CON); Participants maintain their usual lifestyle and daily activities without any new structured exercise program.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
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 Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)	The total volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled from the lungs after taking the deepest breath possible, measured via a calibrated computerized spirometer following ATS guidelines. Unit of Measure: Liters	Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)
Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1)	The volume of air exhaled during the first second of the Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) maneuver, indicating airway patency. Unit of Measure: Liters	Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)
FEV1/FVC Ratio	The ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second to Forced Vital Capacity, used to identify obstructive or restrictive lung patterns. Unit of Measure: Percentage	Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)
Forced Expiratory Flow at 25-75% (FEF25-75%)	The average flow rate during the middle half of the FVC maneuver, often used as an indicator of small airway function. Unit of Measure: Liters per second	Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)
Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV)	The maximum amount of air that can be inhaled and exhaled within one minute, reflecting the overall function of the respiratory system and muscle strength. Unit of Measure: Liters per minute	Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)
Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)	A measure of cardiorespiratory fitness and functional exercise capacity. The total distance covered by walking as far as possible on a 40-meter flat course in 6 minutes is recorded. Unit of Measure: Meters	Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)
Lower Body Flexibility (Sit-and-Reach Test)	Assessment of hamstring and lower back flexibility. Measured as the distance reached forward while sitting with legs extended. Unit of Measure: Centimeters	Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)
Upper Body Flexibility (Back-Scratch Test)	Assessment of shoulder flexibility and range of motion. Measured as the distance between the fingertips of both hands behind the back (positive for overlap, negative for a gap). Unit of Measure: Centimeters	Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Walailak University
• Collaborators: Chulalongkorn University
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Bulin Jirapongsatorn, Master degree, School of Medicine, Walailak university

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): September 1, 2024
• Primary Completion (Actual): March 15, 2025
• Study Completion (Actual): March 31, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: March 8, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 12, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): March 13, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): March 13, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 12, 2026
• Last Verified: March 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Older Adults; Pulmonary Function; Exercise Intervention; Cardiorespiratory Fitness; Mat Pilates; 6-Minute Walk Test; Core Strengthening
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Pathologic Processes; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Respiration Disorders; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Respiratory Aspiration; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena; Exercise
• Other Study ID Numbers: WUEC-24-333-01; Grant Contract Number: WU67252 (Other Grant/Funding Number: New Researcher Development Scheme of Walailak University)

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO
• IPD Plan Description: To protect the privacy and confidentiality of the participants, individual participant data will not be made publicly available. However, the study protocol and statistical analysis plan may be shared upon reasonable request to the Principal Investigator.

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No