Effect of Two Pilates-based Mat Exercise Programs on the Isometric Strength of Core Muscles in Healthy Men

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Based on the current evidence, it is known that Pilates is an exercise technique that has been used mainly by women in sport, fitness and rehabilitation. Most research has been developed with women. The participation of men in the research studies is reduced and methodology rigor is low, therefore, there is insufficient evidence on the effects of this type of training in men, in addition, there are no studies that have proven the effects of a Pilates-based mat exercise with resistance band on strength of core muscles. The main objective of this research is to identify the effects of a Pilates-based mat exercise program versus a Pilates-based exercise mat program with resistance band on the isometric strength of the core muscles in men 18 to 25 years.

Detailed Description
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Fifty-eight men will be randomly assigned to one of two Pilates exercise programs. Pilates-based mat exercise and Pilates-based mat exercise with Theraband® (blue color). Interventions will be performed three times a week for eight-weeks on alternate days. Half will perform Pilates-based mat exercise and the remaining 29 will perform Pilates-based mat exercise with Theraband®. Both groups complete eleven exercises from week one to four and twelve exercises from week five to eight.

Official Title
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Effects of a Pilates-based Mat Exercise Program Compared to a Pilates-based Mat Exercise With Resistance Band on the Isometric Strength of Core Muscles, Lean Mass, and Body Fat in Men 18 to 25 Years

Conditions
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Healthy Volunteers

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Pilates exercise with Theraband
* Behavioral: Pilates exercise


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Healthy volunteers. Perform ≤150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week. Exclusion Criteria: Perform any Pilates exercise previously. Smoker. History of asthma. History of diabetes. History of hypertension. History of cardiovascular disease. History of coronary heart disease. Arrhythmias. Under medical treatment with anticoagulants, beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, bronchodilators, and/or steroids. Psychological, neuromotor and/or osteo-muscular conditions that may affect participation in an exercise program. People with metal prosthesis.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 25 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

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: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Pilates exercise with Theraband<br>24 exercise sessions, 3x weekly (on alternate days). 11 Pilates-based exercises with Theraband® (blue color) from week one to four. (hundred,roll up, one leg circle,rolling like a ball,single leg stretch, double leg stretch,single straight leg stretch, double straight leg lower lift, criss-cross, spine stretch, corkscrew). 12 Pilates-based exercises with Theraband® (blue color) from week five to eight. (saw, rest position, shoulder bridge, side, kick, front ad back, up and down, teaser, swimming, leg pull front, mermaid, seal, push up). Every participant will perform three isometric repetitions of 30 seconds per exercise, with 10 seconds recovery between repetitions and 30 seconds rest between each exercise. | Behavioral: Pilates exercise with Theraband<br>* The experimental group will perform all the exercises with Theraband® in the same manner than active comparator group.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Pilates exercise<br>24 exercise sessions, 3x weekly (on alternate days). 11 Pilates-based mat exercises from week one to four. (hundred,roll up, one leg circle,rolling like a ball,single leg stretch, double leg stretch,single straight leg stretch, double straight leg lower lift, criss-cross, spine stretch, corkscrew). 12 Pilates-based mat exercises from week five to eight. (saw, rest position, shoulder bridge, side, kick, front ad back, up and down, teaser, swimming, leg pull front, mermaid, seal, push up). Every participant will perform three isometric repetitions of 30 seconds per exercise, with 10 seconds recovery between repetitions and 30 seconds rest between each exercise. | Behavioral: Pilates exercise<br>* The active comparator group will perform all the exercises without Theraband®<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in isometric strength of the core muscles | Isometric strength of the core muscles will be obtained using TorsoCheck (Ergo-Fit®, Germany). | Baseline and after 8 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in lean mass | Lean mass will be obtained using Bioelectrical impedance (SECA mBCA515, Gmbh&Co.,Hamburg,Germany) | Baseline and after 8 weeks | 
| Change in body fat | Body fat will be obtained using Bioelectrical impedance (SECA mBCA515,Gmbh&Co.,Hamburg,Germany). | Baseline and after 8 weeks |