COMPARISON OF THE EFFICACY OF CONVENTIONAL EXERCISE AND PILATES IN PRE-FRAIL AND FRAIL OLDER ADULTS

Summary

Brief Summary

This clinical study aims to compare the effects of a conventional exercise program and a Pilates exercise program in prefrail and frail older adults. A total of 40 participants aged 60 years and older who are classified as prefrail or frail according to the FRAIL Scale will be included in the study.

Participants will be randomly assigned to either the conventional exercise group or the Pilates group. Both exercise programs will be conducted twice weekly for 6 weeks. The interventions will focus on stretching exercises, balance and perturbation training, and strength exercises targeting major muscle groups.

Primary outcomes will include changes in frailty status assessed before and after the intervention. Secondary outcomes will include functional mobility and balance assessed by the Timed Up and Go Test, dynamic balance assessed by the Functional Reach Test, lower extremity strength assessed by the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test, gait speed assessed by the 10-Meter Walk Test, depressive symptoms and psychological well-being assessed by the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale, independence in daily activities assessed by the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, cognitive status assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination, and fatigue assessed by the Modified Borg Scale. Frailty status will be evaluated using the FRAIL Scale.

Throughout the study, participant safety will be monitored, and any adverse events, such as injuries or discomfort occurring during exercise sessions, will be recorded and managed appropriately.

This study is expected to provide valuable clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of conventional exercise and Pilates programs in improving physical health and reducing frailty in prefrail and frail older adults, thereby contributing to the identification of best practice approaches for the management of this vulnerable population.

Conditions

• Frailty Syndrome
• Prefrail Elderly
• Frail Elderly
• Geriatric

Interventions

OTHER

PILATES EXERCISES GROUP

The Pilates-based exercise program is structured and supervised by a physiotherapist. The program includes controlled movements, postural alignment, core stabilization, breathing control, and progressive overload principles. Exercise intensity is individualized based on perceived exertion, targeting moderate intensity (Borg CR10 scale: 4-6). Sessions are conducted twice weekly for six weeks, approximately 60 minutes per session.

OTHER

CONVENTIONAL EXERCISES GROUP

The conventional exercise program is supervised by a physiotherapist and consists of range of motion exercises, stretching, strengthening exercises targeting major muscle groups, and balance training. Exercise intensity is individualized and maintained at moderate intensity. Sessions are conducted twice weekly for six weeks, approximately 60 minutes per session.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Sezen Karabörklü ARGUT · Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

• Şükran Acar · Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

• Neslihan Kabak · Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

• Esma N Erden · Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

• Ayşe G Uçak Töre · Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-03-31

Primary Completion

2026-12-09

Completion

2026-12-09