# Pilates-Based Exercise and Its Impact on Nutritional Status and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

## TL;DR

A 12-week Pilates program improved nutrition and quality of life in older adults with type 2 diabetes, compared to no changes in a control group.

## Contribution

This study demonstrates that Pilates is a safe and effective complementary therapy for older adults with type 2 diabetes.

## Key findings

- Pilates participants showed improved nutritional status as measured by the Mini Nutritional Assessment.
- Participants reported enhanced physical and mental health-related quality of life after the intervention.
- No significant changes were observed in the control group.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent chronic disease frequently associated with impaired nutritional status and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL), especially in older adults. Alongside pharmacological treatment and diet, physical exercise has emerged as a complementary strategy. Pilates, a mind–body discipline focused on controlled movement and postural alignment, may help improve outcomes beyond conventional care. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week Pilates intervention on nutritional status and HRQoL in older adults with T2DM. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 104 older adults diagnosed with T2DM. The participants were randomly allocated to a Pilates group (n = 52) or a control group (n = 52). The intervention consisted of 24 supervised sessions delivered twice weekly for 60 min over 12 weeks. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and HRQoL was measured with the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Both assessments were carried out at baseline and after the intervention. Results: Post-intervention scores indicated better nutritional condition and higher ratings in both physical and mental dimensions of HRQoL, while no significant changes were observed in controls. Conclusions: A structured Pilates program improved nutritional status and HRQoL in older adults with T2DM. These results suggest that Pilates is a feasible, safe, and effective complementary therapy in the comprehensive management of this population.