This study investigated the impacts of online and face-to-face Mat Pilates training in adults with persistent symptoms of long COVID on health outcomes. Forty-nine patients (52 ± 5.85 yr.) diagnosed with long COVID related to fatigue symptoms were randomly included in three groups: online Mat Pilates training (n = 16), face-to-face Mat Pilates training (n = 15), and a control group (n = 18) without training. Mat Pilates training was conducted three times a week for 12 weeks. Fatigue, functional capacity, anthropometrics, body composition, and cardiometabolic markers were assessed before and after the interventions. Two-factor Generalized Estimating Equation analyses identified significant differences with Bonferroni post hoc testing (p < 0.05). After the intervention, only the face-to-face Mat Pilates training group had an improved total, physical and mental fatigue, trunk isometric strength, upper limb muscle endurance strength, and aerobic capacity (p < 0.05). No changes were found in fat mass, muscle mass, free fat mass, % of fat, body mass, body mass index, or waist and hip circumferences. No significant changes were observed in blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, or blood pressure (p > 0.05). Our results highlight the potential of face-to-face Mat Pilates training as an effective intervention to mitigate persistent symptoms of long COVID related to fatigue and functional capacities.

Arterial hypertension (AH) is a chronic non-communicable disease of a multifactorial nature characterized by a consistent increase in blood pressure and is considered the main risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. With aging, more than 70% of the elderly have AH. Aquatic exercise provides several benefits for middle-aged and elderly individuals, such as improving physical fitness and decreasing the heart rate of practitioners. However, the acute hypotensive responses of this type of exercise are not well documented in the literature, and in addition, the responses of blood pressure in the liquid environment during aquatic exercises vary according to body position, temperature, water height, and, mainly, with the intensity of the exercise. Thus, the objective of the scientific review is to answer the following question: What are the blood pressure effects of one session of aquatic exercises in the elderly? For this, we will carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis in digital databases (EMBASE, PUBMED, Lilacs, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science), of randomized and non-randomized clinical trials and cross-sectional studies carried out with elderly humans that indicate the values of post-exercise hypotension after aquatic exercise.

Exercise has been shown to reduce blood pressure (BP) in adults; however, the influence of sex on the hypotensive effects of chronic exercise remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate sex differences in BP responses to chronic exercise. A systematic review with meta-analysis will be conducted using digital databases (EMBASE, PUBMED, LILACS, and SPORTDiscus). Eligible studies will include both randomized and non-randomized clinical trials, as well as crossover studies, involving adult participants (aged 18-65 years). These studies will have representation from both men and women, allowing for sex-based comparisons. The interventions will include chronic exercise (≥ 4 weeks) of any modality. The primary outcomes will include BP values measured pre- and post-exercise (systolic, diastolic, and/or mean BP). Two independent reviewers will evaluate studies during the screening, eligibility, inclusion, and data extraction phases. The methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using the Tool for the Assessment of Study Quality and Reporting in Exercise. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Tools. The overall quality of evidence for each outcome will be rated using the GRADE approach. The pooled results will be presented through forest plots. Subgroup analysis will be conducted based on population and exercise characteristics. Publication bias will be assessed using a funnel plot and Egger’s test for asymmetry.

Exercise has been shown to reduce blood pressure (BP) in adults; however, the influence of sex on the hypotensive effects of acute exercise remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate sex differences in BP responses to acute exercise. A systematic review with meta-analysis will be conducted using digital databases (EMBASE, PUBMED, LILACS, and SPORTDiscus). Eligible studies will include both randomized and non-randomized clinical trials, as well as crossover studies, involving adult participants (aged 18-65 years). These studies will have representation from both men and women, allowing for sex-based comparisons. The interventions will include a single session of acute exercise in any modality. The primary outcomes will include BP values measured pre- and post-exercise (systolic, diastolic, and/or mean BP). Two independent reviewers will evaluate studies during the screening, eligibility, inclusion, and data extraction phases. The methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using the Tool for the Assessment of Study Quality and Reporting in Exercise. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Tools. The overall quality of evidence for each outcome will be rated using the GRADE approach. The pooled results will be presented through forest plots. Subgroup analysis will be conducted based on population and exercise characteristics. Publication bias will be assessed using a funnel plot and Egger’s test for asymmetry.