title: 24-weeks Pilates-aerobic and educative training to improve body fat mass in elderly Serbian women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in anthropometric measurements using an aerobic and Pilates exercise program which lasted 24 weeks.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a clinical intervention study of 303 women over the age of 60 living in Novi Sad, Serbia. Changes in body mass index and skinfold thickness were estimated through height, weight, and anthropometric measurements. The program comprised Pilates exercises for upper- and lower-body strength, agility, and aerobic capacity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fat mass (FM) improved significantly (pre-test, 32.89%, 8.65; post-test, 28.25%, 6.58; P<0.01). Bone diameters and muscle perimeters showed no significant changes pre- and post-test (P>0.05), but there was a higher correlation between FM (%) and waist-hip ratio (rho, 0.80; P<0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A mixed program of aerobics and Pilates, controls and improves baseline muscle mass and decreases FM values, without causing deterioration during practice and follow-up exercises.
authors: Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
authors: Pedro Jesús
authors: PJ
authors: Ruiz-Montero
authors: Faculty of Sport, University of Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.
authors: Alfonso
authors: A
authors: Castillo-Rodriguez
authors: Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia.
authors: Milena
authors: M
authors: Mikalački
authors: Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia.
authors: Cokorilo
authors: C
authors: Nebojsa
authors: Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia.
authors: Darinka
authors: D
authors: Korovljev
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D026241:Exercise Movement Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D055771:Serbia; D012885:Skinfold Thickness
keywords: anthropometric measures; educative program; lean body mass