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Effects of 20-week Mat-Pilates & Dual-Task Training on Strength, Balance, Cognition, and Fall Risk in Older Adults
Sponsor: Universidade do Porto
Summary
Our aims are to evaluate the impact of 24-week combined Pilates and dual-task exercises on physical fitness, balance, cognitive function, bone density in older adults. Participants ≥ 65 years of both genders will be randomly allocated to a control (n= 55) or intervention group (n= 55). Twice a week, sessions will take place in the FADEUP- UPORTO, with moderate intensity Pilates exercise and dual-task exercises. Trunk strength and stability, balance, cognitive function, and physical fitness will be accessed before and after the intervention. The Pilates method is easy to apply, low cost and widely accepted by older adults and it can integrate dual-task exercises easily. The researcher expected the intervention to improve balance, physical and cognitive skills of the participants, which may reduce the number of falls. The investigators seek to contribute with relevant information and enlighten the Dual Task-Pilates program as a safe strategy to reduce falls and maintain elderly's autonomy.
Official title: Effects of a 20-week Combined Mat-Pilates Training With Dual Task Exercise for Improving Trunk Strength and Stability, Balance, Cognitive Function, and Risk of Falls in Older Adults.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
60 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
67
Start Date
2025-08-01
Completion Date
2026-04-30
Last Updated
2025-09-08
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Pilates sections
This intervention combines Pilates with dual-task training over 20 weeks, featuring twice-weekly 60-minute sessions at moderate to vigorous intensity. It is uniquely grounded in methods from the Polestar and PhysicalMind schools and adapted for older adults (≥65 years), utilizing chairs, elastic bands, and minimal equipment. Unlike typical exercise programs, this protocol integrates cognitive tasks within Pilates exercises to simultaneously challenge physical and executive functions. Exercise intensity is individualized using heart rate monitors and the Borg scale. Assessments include trunk strength (Biodex System 4), balance (Biodex SD), and cognitive function (MoCA, Stroop, WAIS-III, TMT), making it one of the few trials to rigorously evaluate physical, cognitive, and dual-task performance outcomes in older adults. This approach is low-cost, scalable, and focused on fall prevention and autonomy maintenance.
Locations (1)
CIAFEL
Porto, Porto District, Portugal