Author(s): KARPOUZI, C., KYPRAIOU, A., PETRIDOU, A., MOUGIOS, V. , Institution: ARISTOTLE UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI, Country: GREECE, Abstract-ID: 689

INTRODUCTION:
Pilates is a popular type of exercise thanks to its comprehensive approach to physical fitness. Research has shown that Pilates training improves body composition, muscle endurance, and joint flexibility.1 Adequate protein intake is a key factor in supporting the adaptive response of skeletal muscle to exercise training.2 However, whether protein supplementation augments the adaptations to Pilates training remains unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of protein supplementation during Pilates training on body composition, core muscle endurance, and joint flexibility in trained women.
METHODS:
Nineteen Pilates-trained women (31 ± 9 y) performed 10 weeks of Pilates training, with at least 2 sessions per week. Participants were randomly allocated to either a placebo (n = 10) or protein supplementation group (n = 9) in a quadruple-blinded (participants, intervention providers, investigators, and outcome assessors) design. Participants received 0.6 g of maltodextrin or whey protein/kg body weight/day, respectively. Habitual dietary intake was monitored throughout the study. Before and after the intervention, anthropometric measures (body weight, body mass index, and circumferences), body composition [through multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and full-scan dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)], core muscle endurance (through the McGill’s torso muscular endurance test battery), and joint flexibility (through the sit-and-reach test) were assessed. Data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA (supplement x time) with repeated measures on time. Common BIA and DXA parameters (lean body mass, fat mass and their percentages) were further analyzed by Pearson’s correlation analysis and paired Student’s t test. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05.
RESULTS:
Participants received 1.3 ± 0.3 (mean ± SD) protein/kg body weight/day from their habitual diet, with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.551). After 10 weeks of Pilates training, hip circumference decreased, body fat mass and percentage (by BIA) decreased, and total lean mass and percentage (by BIA) increased (all p < 0.05), regardless of supplementation. Trunk bone mineral content and arm lean mass (by DXA) increased with training (p < 0.05). The common BIA and DXA parameters were correlated (all r > 0.8, p < 0.001), although they differed significantly (all p < 0.001). BIA underestimated fat mass by an average 1.4 kg compared to DXA. Core muscle endurance increased by 23–48%, and joint flexibility increased by 57% (both p < 0.05), regardless of supplementation.
CONCLUSION:
The novel finding of the present study is that, although short-term Pilates training improved body composition and performance parameters in trained women, protein supplementation that increased daily protein intake from 1.3 to 1.9 g/kg body weight did not have any effect on the measured parameters.
1. Kloubec. J Strength Cond Res 2010, 24:661
2. Nunes et al. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2022, 13:795