Pilates Plus Whole-Body Vibration in Postmenopausal Women

Universidade Estadual do Norte do Parana10 enrolled

Overview

This controlled, quasi-experimental clinical trial investigated the effects of a combined Pilates and whole-body vibration (WBV) intervention on bone mineral density (BMD), muscle strength, postural balance, and quality of life in postmenopausal women. Fifteen women aged 50-71 years initially served as a historical control group in a previous study. After completion of that protocol, ten of these participants underwent a 26-week combined intervention consisting of supervised Pilates exercises and WBV performed three times per week. BMD was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Peak torque of the lower limbs was measured by isokinetic dynamometry. Postural balance was evaluated using a force platform, and quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Outcomes obtained after the combined intervention were compared with those from the historical control phase.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Postmenopausal Women

Interventions

The intervention consisted of a combined protocol integrating supervised mat-based Pilates exercises with whole-body vibration (WBV) performed on a side-alternating vibrating platform. Sessions were conducted three times per week for 26 weeks. Each session included structured Pilates exercises targeting core stability, postural alignment, and lower-limb strengthening, immediately followed by WBV exposure with controlled frequency and amplitude parameters. This combined protocol differs from previous interventions conducted in the same population, in which Pilates and WBV were applied separately. The present study specifically investigated the potential additive or synergistic effects of simultaneously implementing both modalities within the same training session, which had not been previously examined in this cohort.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 50 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: (a) no engagement in structured physical exercise for at least six months prior to enrollment; (b) agreement to refrain from participating in any additional physical exercise programs during the study period; (c) ability to perform activities of daily living independently23, 24; (d) presentation of a medical certificate confirming fitness to engage in physical exercise; (e) cognitive status score \> 19 on the Mini-Mental State Examination25; and (f) no use of medications aimed at increasing BMD or muscle mass within the previous 12 months. Exclusion Criteria: (a) personal decision; (b) adverse events that make participation impossible.