Cardiorespiratory responses: Pilates compared to different walking speeds in healthy adults

BackgroundThe impact of a single-session Pilates exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness and metabolic parameters is still uncertain.AimsThe aim of this study was to examine the cardiorespiratory changes during a single-session Pilates exercise and compare cardiorespiratory fitness-related parameters with walking at different speeds on a treadmill, at low (3.2 kph) and moderate intensities (4.8 kph).MethodsCardiorespiratory responses were measured with a cardiopulmonary exercise test device in 31 healthy young adults at rest, during a single Pilates session, walking at 3.2 kph and walking at 4.8 kph. The study design employed a cross-over design. Participants were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: a Pilates training session following treadmill walking or treadmill walking following a Pilates training session.ResultsMean MET, oxygen and energy consumption during Pilates were similar to walking at 3.2 kph (p > 0.05), but significantly lower than walking at 4.8 kph (p < 0.05). The mean heart rate during Pilates was higher than walking at 3.2 kph (p < 0.05), but similar to walking at 4.8 kph (p > 0.05). Significantly higher carbohydrate metabolism was used during Pilates compared to walking (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe cardiopulmonary responses to a single Pilates session are similar to walking at a speed of 3.2 kph but lower than walking at 4.8 kph. These results indicate that while Pilates may not generate sufficient cardiopulmonary changes to enhance cardiorespiratory fitness as a moderate-intensity exercise in healthy young adults, it may still offer other benefits such as improvements in flexibility, core strength, and posture.

Automated summary

This study aimed to compare the impact of a single Pilates session with walking at different speeds on cardiorespiratory fitness. The results showed that Pilates had similar cardiorespiratory responses to walking at 3.2 kph, but lower responses compared to walking at 4.8 kph. This indicates that Pilates may not be effective in enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness as a moderate-intensity exercise in healthy young adults, but it may offer other benefits such as flexibility, core strength, and posture improvements.