A study published within the Journal of Human Hypertension reveals that Pilates training programs are secure for patients with hypertension and that these programs might be incorporated as an element of their rehabilitation.

Study: The efficacy of Pilates method in patients with hypertension: systematic review and meta-analysis. Image Credit: ESB Skilled / Shutterstock

Background

Hypertension or hypertension is a serious public health concern due to its widespread prevalence. The condition significantly increases the chance of heart problems and associated disability and mortality. Although medicines can effectively treat hypertension, consistent treatment adherence is the first requisite for optimal outcomes.

Available evidence indicates that a mix of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions is extremely effective in managing all risk aspects related to hypertension. Particularly, physical exertion is taken into account to be a wonderful intervention to cut back blood pressure in hypertensive patients. This intervention effectively reduces blood pressure even in patients who’re low conscious of anti-hypertension medications.

Amongst various sorts of physical activities, aerobic exercise is taken into account the first option for managing blood pressure. As well as, isometric exercise, dynamic resistance exercise, and high-intensity interval training have shown positive effects in hypertensive patients. Nonetheless, despite many health advantages, these physical activities are generally related to a low adherence rate.

On this systematic review and meta-analysis, scientists have explored the effectiveness of Pilates training programs in managing blood pressure in hypertensive patients. They’ve considered Pilates an alternate physical exertion option due to its adaptability in various conditions, akin to rehabilitation and fitness.   

Study design

The scientists searched across 4 electronic databases for randomized clinical trials and comparative studies that investigated the effect of Pilates training on blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

A complete of 4 randomized clinical trials and 7 comparative studies were included in the ultimate evaluation. All these studies were published between 2015 and 2023. Regarding the methodological quality of chosen studies, one was low quality, 4 were good quality, and 6 were prime quality.

The chosen studies included a complete of 458 participants with decompensated hypertension, arterial hypertension, or normal tension. All arterial hypertensive participants received anti-hypertensive treatment through the Pilates training.

Nine out of 11 chosen studies used Pilates-based Mat as their study intervention; one used Pilates with apparatus, and one used each. In comparative studies, the control groups performed aerobic exercises or day by day life activities.   

Vital observations

A substantial proportion of chosen studies described the positive impacts of Pilates training programs in managing blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Data from three randomized controlled trials and two comparative studies was included within the meta-analysis.

The findings revealed that Pilates has significantly higher potency in reducing systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure in comparison with other physical activity interventions employed on top of things groups.

The meta-analysis of information from 4 comparative studies indicated that Pilates exerts similar blood pressure-lowering effects in hypertensive and normotensive participants. Nonetheless, these effects weren’t statistically significant.

Study significance

The meta-analysis finds that Pilates is secure and effective for managing blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Nonetheless, it won’t necessarily have superior effects in comparison with other physical exertion interventions.

Most studies included within the systematic review and meta-analysis highlight the numerous positive effects of Mat Pilates on blood pressure. This implies that the incorporation of exercises that require isometric strength may very well be helpful in lowering blood pressure.

Mat Pilates is a low-to-moderate-intensity exercise. In contrast, Pilates with apparatus is a high-intensity exercise. Studies that employed Pilates with apparatus couldn’t find any significant blood pressure-lowering effects. This means that the intensity of Pilates is a vital factor to think about while applying this intervention for blood pressure management. In support of this hypothesis, existing literature depicts that light or moderate aerobic exercise is simpler than high-intensity aerobic exercise in reducing blood pressure.

Although the findings of the meta-analysis indicated blood pressure-lowering effects of Pilates, overall, it was found that Pilates doesn’t have greater effects than aerobic exercises. Furthermore, a mix of aerobic exercise and Pilates did not display greater advantages.

Based on these observations, scientists advise incorporating Pilates as an element of the rehabilitation approach to administer blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Nonetheless, it must be noted that Pilates may not necessarily offer greater advantages than aerobic exercises and that it could not necessarily help improve adherence to training programs.