This study is a comparative interventional trial designed to evaluate the effects of Aquatic Pilates versus Mat Pilates on respiratory function, functional capacity, quality of life, and thoracic kyphosis in older women. Thoracic kyphosis is a common postural deviation in older adults that may negatively affect respiratory mechanics, physical performance, and quality of life. Participants were allocated into four groups and assessed at three time points: baseline (pre-intervention), after 6 weeks of intervention, and immediately following the completion of a 12-week exercise program. Outcome measures included anthropometric characteristics (height, body weight, and body mass index), degree of thoracic kyphosis, respiratory function assessed via spirometric testing, functional capacity evaluated using standardized physical performance tests, and quality of life. The intervention programs consisted of structured Aquatic Pilates and Mat Pilates protocols designed to improve postural alignment, respiratory efficiency, functional ability, and overall quality of life. The objective of the study is to compare the effectiveness of Aquatic Pilates versus Mat Pilates on respiratory, functional, and quality-of-life outcomes in older women with thoracic kyphosis.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
A structured 12-week Aquatic Pilates exercise program consisting of 24 sessions performed twice weekly. The intervention involved controlled exercise in a water environment utilizing buoyancy and hydrostatic resistance.
A structured 12-week Mat Pilates exercise program consisting of 24 sessions performed twice weekly. The intervention was conducted on land using a mat-based Pilates protocol focusing on controlled movement and postural control.
Municipal Indoor Swimming Pool of Karpenisi
Karpenisi, Evrytania, Greece
Vital Capacity (VC)
Vital Capacity (VC) measured by spirometry using the SPIROANALYZER ST-95 spirometer. VC is reported in liters (L). Higher values indicate better pulmonary function.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) measured by spirometry using the SPIROANALYZER ST-95 spirometer. FVC is reported in liters (L). Higher values indicate better pulmonary function.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Thoracic Kyphosis Angle
Thoracic kyphosis angle measured using a kyphometer between T2 and T12 vertebrae. Results are reported in degrees (°). Lower values indicate reduced thoracic kyphosis.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)
Time required to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, return, and sit down. Measured in seconds. Lower scores indicate better mobility and functional performance.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
4-Meter Gait Speed Test
Gait speed calculated over a 4-meter walking distance and reported in meters per second (m/s). Higher scores indicate better walking performance.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
Total distance walked during the 6-minute walk test. Reported in meters (m). Higher scores indicate better aerobic capacity and endurance.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Modified Physical Performance Test (mPPT) Score
Functional performance assessed using the Modified Physical Performance Test (mPPT). Higher scores indicate better functional capacity and physical performance.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) Score
Health-related quality of life assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better health-related quality of life.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
PROMIS Global Health Scale v1.2
Health-related quality of life assessed using the PROMIS Global Health Scale v1.2. Results are reported as T-scores with a population mean of 50 and standard deviation of 10. Higher scores indicate better perceived health status.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) Score
Physical activity assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Total scores typically range from 0 to over 400, with higher scores indicating greater levels of physical activity.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Body weight
Body weight measured in kilograms (kg) using a calibrated scale
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Ηeight
Height measured using a standard wall-mounted height measuring device
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Βody Μass Ιndex (BMI)
Calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²) (kg/m²)
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
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