Does inspiratory flow resistance modify the intensity of a pilates session?

INTRODUCTION: The evidence on the improvement of functional capacity using the Pilates Method is not conclusive. One possibility to improve the effect of a Pilates session on the cardiorespiratory capacity of its practitioners is to use the inspiratory flow resistance (IFR) concomitantly. This effect can be visualized by determining the glycemic threshold (GT), a technique used as an exercise intensity marker. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the use of IFR in a Pilates session anticipates GT. METHODS: Cross-sectional crossover study. A total of 26 individuals of both genders were evaluated, 10 of whom were male, healthy, and aged between 20 and 40 years. The volunteers were randomized to two protocols: Protocol IFR - Eleven movements of the Pilates method with IFR using 20% of the maximum inspiratory pressure, and Protocol no IFR (NIFR) - Eleven movements of the Pilates method without IFR. The two protocols were performed on the same day, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, according to randomization by simple random draw. At rest and at the end of each movement, capillary blood collections were performed to measure blood glucose and construct the glycemic curve. GT was determined at the smallest point on the curve. RESULTS: The GT was anticipated in the protocol that used IFR; that is, in the protocol with IFR, the GT was visualized in the sixth exercise, while in the NIFR protocol, the GT was visualized in the ninth exercise (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: IFR anticipated GT, which suggests that IFR increases the intensity of a Pilates session. This suggests the hypothesis that IFR can provide additional medium and long-term benefits to Pilates method practitioners.