Acute Effects of Reformer, Cadillac, and Chair Pilates Appa-ratuses on Cardiac Autonomic Modulation and Flexibility

Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Healhty

Treatments: Behavioral: Chair Pilates Session; Behavioral: Reformer-based Pilates; Behavioral: Cadillac-based Pilates

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07308626

PNU-8

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study looked at how different types of Pilates equipment affect heart function and flexibility right after exercise in sedentary middle-aged women. Pilates can be performed on several apparatuses, such as the reformer, cadillac, and chair, and each device places different demands on the body. However, it is not well known whether these differences lead to different short-term effects on the heart or on flexibility.

In this study, 15 women completed three separate Pilates sessions-one on each apparatus-on different days. During every session, researchers measured heart rate variability (a way to assess how the heart responds to and recovers from exercise). Flexibility was also tested before and after each session.

This information may help instructors and clinicians choose the most appropriate Pilates equipment based on individual goals.

Full description

Pilates is widely used to improve strength, posture, and flexibility, and it may also influence how the heart responds to exercise. Many Pilates programs use equipment such as the reformer, cadillac, and chair, which provide adjustable spring resistance and allow movement in different body positions. Although these apparatuses are commonly used in fitness and rehabilitation settings, little is known about whether they create different short-term effects on cardiovascular function or flexibility, especially in people who are sedentary.

This study designed to compare the immediate effects of three Pilates apparatuses-reformer, cadillac, and chair-on heart rate variability (a marker of cardiac autonomic activity) and flexibility in sedentary middle-aged women. Understanding these effects may help practitioners choose equipment that best supports specific goals, such as improving cardiovascular recovery or increasing muscle flexibility.

Each participant will complete one exercise session on each apparatus in a randomized order. Heart rate variability will be measured before exercise, during exercise, and throughout a short recovery period to observe how the body responded and returned to a resting state. Flexibility will be assessed before and after each session to determine the immediate physical benefit of the different apparatus types.

This study may help clarify whether specific Pilates equipment provides unique physiological advantages. Such information may support more targeted exercise prescriptions for individuals who are beginning Pilates, those with limited fitness experience, or those seeking improvements in flexibility or cardiovascular regulation.

Enrollment: 15 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 40 to 60 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Female
• Age 40 to 60 years
• Sedentary (not engaged in regular physical activity)
• No prior experience with Pilates apparatus-based exercise
• Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Known metabolic or cardiovascular disease
• Regular use of medications that influence heart rate or autonomic function
• Current smoker
• Musculoskeletal injuries or limitations that prevent safe participation in exercise
• Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, would interfere with study participation or data collection

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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15 participants in 3 patient groups

Reformer Pilates Session

Experimental group

Description:

Participants complete a single 50-minute Pilates session on a reformer apparatus using standardized beginner-level exercises. All movements are performed under instructor supervision. This arm is part of a randomized crossover design in which all participants complete all three apparatus conditions.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Reformer-based Pilates

Cadillac Pilates Session

Experimental group

Description:

Participants complete a single 50-minute Pilates session on a cadillac apparatus using standardized beginner-level exercises. This arm is one condition within the randomized crossover design, and all participants perform this and the other apparatus sessions.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Cadillac-based Pilates

Chair Pilates Session

Experimental group

Description:

Participants complete a single 50-minute Pilates session on a Pilates chair apparatus using standardized beginner-level exercises. All participants complete this arm as part of the crossover structure.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Chair Pilates Session