Pilates training improves aerobic capacity, but not lipid or lipoprotein levels in elderly women with dyslipidemia: A controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to verify the effects of a Pilates training on total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), glucose and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, as well as on functionality of postmenopausal women with dyslipidemia. METHOD: This randomized study involved 35 sedentary women with dyslipidemia, aged between 60 and 75 years. One group participated in a Pilates exercises training with two to four weekly sessions during 10 weeks (Pilates group, n = 20) and the other group did not perform any intervention (control group, n = 6). Biochemical analyses and functionality parameters were measured before and after the 10 weeks. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in TC, TG, LDL and HDL for both groups. Regarding glucose and CRP levels, significant reductions were observed in both groups after the intervention period. In functional parameters, both groups significantly increased their 30-s chair stand test values. On the other hand, only the Pilates group presented significant increments in the 6-min walk test (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pilates training did not change lipid or lipoprotein levels, but improved cardiorespiratory fitness of elderly women with dyslipidemia.

Aquatic Training in Upright Position as an Alternative to Improve Blood Pressure in Adults and Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Meta-analyses have shown that land training (LT) reduces blood pressure; however, it is not known whether aquatic training (AT) promotes this same effect. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to conduct a meta-analysis on the effects of AT on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in adults and elderly and compare them to those of LT and no training [control group (CG)]. DATA SOURCES: Embase, PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus were searched up to May 2017. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies that evaluated the effect of upright AT (i.e., AT performed in upright position) on the blood pressure of adult individuals and the elderly who did not present with cardiovascular disease (other than hypertension) were included. DATA ANALYSIS: Two independent reviewers screened search results, performed data extraction and assessed risk of bias. Random effect was used, and the effect size (ES) was calculated by using the standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: AT promoted a reduction in SBP (ES - 1.47; 95% CI - 2.23 to - 0.70; p < 0.01) compared to CG. This effect is maintained with training progression (ES - 1.52; 95% CI - 2.70 to - 0.33; p = 0.01) and no progression (ES - 1.43; 95% CI - 2.64 to - 0.23; p = 0.02). These effects were significant only in hypertensive (ES - 2.20; 95% CI - 2.72 to - 1.68; p < 0.01), and not in pre-hypertensive individuals. AT promoted a decrease in DBP (- 0.92; 95% CI - 1.27 to - 0.57; p < 0.01) after training with progression (- 0.81; 95% CI - 1.62 to - 0.001; p = 0.04) and no progression (- 1.01; 95% CI - 1.40 to - 0.62; p < 0.01) in pre-hypertensive (- 1.12; 95% CI - 1.53 to - 0.70; p < 0.01) and hypertensive patients (- 0.69; 95% CI - 1.31 to - 0.06; p = 0.03). AT promoted similar reductions in SBP compared to LT; however, reduction of DBP in hypertensive patients was lower (1.82; 95% CI 0.84 to 2.79; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: AT promotes blood pressure reduction in adults and elderly. The reduction in SBP in those performing AT is similar to those performing LT, but reduction of DBP is lower in the AT group compared to that in the LT group. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42016049716.