NCT04360499

Low- Load- High- Repetitions Training Versus Pilates on Physical Fitness in Inactive Women

The Effect of a Three Month, Low- Load- High- Repetitions Group-based Exercise Program Versus Pilates on Physical Fitness and Body Composition in Inactive Women

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Thessaly · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 55 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Low-weight-high-repetitions (LWHR) programs constitute a popular group-based form of exercise for the general population, accompanied by various health benefits for the participants. However, the effect of such programs on cardiorespiratory fitness is still controversial. The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of a 3-month LWHR group exercise program vs pilates on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition and overall health on previously inactive adult women.

Detailed description

This is a randomized exercise intervention study in healthy subjects (adult women-inactive). Participants will be randomly allocated in two groups: the LLHR group and the Pilates group. All assessments will be blinded to the intervention group of the participants. Both exercise programs will be performed in groups lasting for three months and performed 3 times per week. The study conformed to the principles enumerated in the Helsinki Declaration and ethical approval has been obtained by the national ethical committee. Participants in the LLHR training will participate in a three-month, group based pre-choreographed exercise programme, consisting of three LLHR training sessions per week (in non-consecutive days). All participants will be familiar with the exercises that will be used in this intervention. Each LLHR fitness program, includes a variety of multifunction exercises (i.e. squats, lunges, chest press and chest extension, rowing, triceps extension and bicep curls) addressing all muscle groups; using barbells, dumbbells or body weight. Each session will last for 60 min (including 5 min warm up and 5 min cooldown). Exercise intensity will increase progressively once a month by adding weights to the barbells and dumbbells. Participants in the Pilates program will be trained with the same exercise schedule for the 3-month period. Their 60 min session, will be consisted of warm-up and cool down (5 minutes each), along with static-isometric exercises addressing major muscle groups. Pilates exercises focus on breathing, concentration, control and precision. Exercise intensity progression in the Pilates program will be performed every one month by increasing the level of demanding of the exercises. All training sessions of both the LLHR and Pilates programs will be supervised by a qualified sports scientist (one sport scientist responsible for each program) for securing training standardization. Participants in both programs will be advised to avoid taking part in any other exercise session during the intervention period.

Conditions

• Sedentary Behavior

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Low- weight-high-repetitions training	LWHR refers to a specific form of resistance exercise which utilizes low weights and very high repetitions
OTHER	Pilates training	Pilates style exercise training

Timeline

• Start date: 2018-01-10
• Primary completion: 2020-08-10
• Completion: 2021-09-10
• First posted: 2020-04-24
• Last updated: 2021-10-06

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Cyprus