Mat Pilates and Vascular Function in Obese Females

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Obesity is associated with progressive decreases in arterial health and function. It is crucial to prevent or reduce the negative effects of aging on the vasculature by implementing appropriate lifestyle interventions, such as exercise training. We examined the effects of a Mat Pilates training (MPT) regimen on arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity, PWV), blood pressure (BP), wave reflection (AIx) and endothelial function in obese premenopausal women with elevated BP.

Detailed Description
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Using a parallel experimental design, participants were randomly assigned to either MPT (n=14) or non-exercising control group (n=14) for 12 weeks. Participant in the MPT group trained 3 days/week . Participants' brachial to ankle PWV (baPWV), systolic and diastolic BP, AIx, plasma NO levels were measured at baseline and after 20 weeks of their assigned intervention.

Official Title
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The Effects of Mat Pilates Training on Vascular Function in Obese Premenopausal Women With Elevated Blood Pressure

Conditions
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Obese, Elevated Blood Pressure

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Mat Pilates training


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: body mass index 30-40 kg/m2 <1 h of regular exercise per week in the previous year systolic/diastolic BP: 120-129mm Hg systolic BP and ˂ 80 mm Hg for diastolic BP Nonsmokers Exclusion Criteria: body mass index ˂30 and ≥40 kg/m2 chronic diseases taking oral contraceptives pregnancy

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 35 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Mat Pilates training<br>The MPT group participated in 3-one hour supervised training sessions per week for 12 weeks. All MP sessions were performed in nonconsecutive days. The MP sessions were divided into the following stages: initial warm up and stretching (10 min), general conditioning consisting of MP exercises (40 min) and stretching and cooling down (10 min). The participants performed 12 basic MP exercises (one set of 6-10 repetitions was performed per exercise). Breathing, a core principle of MP, was performed by forced but controlled inspirations and exhalations, while relaxing and contracting the abdomen, respectively. All sessions were supervised by a certified MP instructor. | Behavioral: Mat Pilates training<br>* This group completed 12-weeks of training<br>|
| No Intervention: Control<br>Participants in the non-exercising control group did not participate in a supervised exercise program and visited the laboratory at the same frequency as participants in the swim intervention and underwent recreational activities such as board games | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Arterial Stiffness | via Pulse Wave Velocity | 12 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure | Automatic BP monitor | 12 weeks | 
| Pressure Wave Reflection | via Augmentation Index | 12 weeks | 
| Endothelial Function | via plasma nitric oxide | 12 weeks |