Last updated September 9, 2026
Key finding
Blood glucose levels decreased by 4.06 mg/dL (p < 0.001; d = 0.68)
This study examined the effects of a 12-week Pilates-based intervention on glycemic control and physical function in older adults with type 2 diabetes, finding significant improvements in various health metrics.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study examined the effects of a 12-week Pilates-based intervention on glycemic control and physical function in older adults with type 2 diabetes, finding significant improvements in various health metrics.
These findings are clinically significant as they suggest that Pilates can be a beneficial physical activity for managing diabetes and enhancing physical capabilities in older adults. Improved glycemic control and physical function can lead to better overall health outcomes and quality of life for this population.
Unclear effectiveness for some outcomes Limited generalizability due to specific population Potential lack of long-term follow-up data
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Beatriz R, Fidel H, Agustín A, et al. Effects of a 12-Week Pilates-Based Intervention on Glycemic Control and Physical Function in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Healthcare. 2025;13(9):1012. doi:10.3390/healthcare13091012
Blood glucose levels decreased by 4.06 mg/dL (p < 0.001; d = 0.68)
Handgrip strength increased by 1.76 kg (p < 0.001; d = 0.48)
Balance improved by 2.37 points (p < 0.001; d = 0.66)
Evidence network
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This study contributes evidence to Pilates-based intervention and Berg Balance Scale, Blood glucose, Flexibility (Chair Sit-and-Reach Test), and 2 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Pilates-based intervention
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
3
Related topics
5
Evidence pairs
814
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Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
matched_outcome
Related evidence
Evidence topic
Save evidence
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Pilates-based intervention → Berg Balance Scale
Pilates-based intervention → Berg Balance Scale
Pilates-based intervention → Flexibility (Chair Sit-and-Reach Test)
Pilates-based intervention → Flexibility (Chair Sit-and-Reach Test)
Pilates-based intervention → Handgrip Strength
Pilates-based intervention → Handgrip Strength
Pilates-based intervention → Improvement in 4-m gait speed
Pilates-based intervention → Improvement in 4-m gait speed
Evidence Library
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Pilates-based intervention and Improvement in 4-m gait speed, Pilates-based intervention and Berg Balance Scale.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Behavioral & Lifestyle
Behavioral & Lifestyle
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Berg Balance Scale
Measures Berg Balance Scale as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Improvement in 4-m gait speed
Measures Improvement in 4-m gait speed as a key outcome.
All studies on Pilates-based intervention
Contributes to Pilates-based intervention evidence base.
Latest published studies
Published within the last 2 years.
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1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Pilates-based intervention appears to improve berg balance scale.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Berg Balance Scale
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Pilates-based intervention appears to improve blood glucose.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Blood glucose
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Pilates-based intervention appears to improve flexibility (chair sit-and-reach test).
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Flexibility (Chair Sit-and-Reach Test)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Pilates-based intervention appears to improve handgrip strength.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Handgrip Strength
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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