Benefits of Pilates in the Elderly Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review is to collect and summarize the benefits of Pilates in the elderly population (>60 years old), within the current scientific production, assessing its contribution to Healthy Ageing (HA). We used PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) to select, collect, and analyse this thematic. The methodological procedures were registered in the PROSPERO database. The main results of the studies analysed (n = 30) point to significant differences between the intervention and the control groups in dynamic balance, strength, mobility, functional capacity, risk of falling reduction, and mental and psychological health. Thus, the results showed that Pilates may be beneficial for the health of the elderly. The meta-analysis found statistical differences between means on the dynamic balance (mean difference (MD) = −0.0, 95% CI [−0.71, −0.50]; I2: 0%) and the aerobic capacity and aerobic resistance [(MD) = 38.29, 95% CI [6.82, 69.77]; I2: 0%). Thus, it is concluded that the efficacy of Pilates has been shown in various areas of HA and has proven to be affordable and safe for the majority of people, using just a mat on the floor. Future studies should focus on the analysis of the relationship between the cost and the benefit of a Pilates intervention in the elderly population, to better understand how health costs can be minimized and to contribute to a multidisciplinary and generalized HA. Pilates has practical application for the clinicians, therapists, and health professionals that work with the elderly population.

Psychophysiological Adaptations to Pilates Training in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Topical Review

“…This fact is important, considering that populations with unhealthy weight are likely to demonstrate postural issues, movement dysfunction, and several physical limitations [ 80 , 81 , 82 ]. It is of note that Pilates-based training programs demonstrate positive effects on physical–functional performance in both normal weight and overweight older adults [ 32 , 33 , 51 ]. Hence, such an alternative muscle-strengthening activity may provide an inclusive environment and exceptional improvements in functional task outcomes [ 49 ].…”

“…Such an exercise approach appears to be user-friendly and safe for inexperienced trainees [ 29 ]. Most relevant studies focus on the efficacy of Pilates training on rehabilitation (e.g., chronic low back pain, postural, and movement dysfunction) [ 30 ], physical performance in healthy adults [ 31 ], as well as health and fitness benefits in older adults [ 32 , 33 ]. Therefore, Pilates training has been defined as a therapeutic or preventive exercise intervention [ 29 ].…”

“…Interestingly, recent studies indicate inconsistent results without a clear consensus [ 48 , 49 , 50 ], and comparative studies are scarce [ 51 , 52 ]. Figure 1 summarizes the effects of Pilates training on cardiometabolic health, physical performance, and well-being in several populations [ 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 38 , 39 , 52 ].…”

Effectiveness of Therapeutic Exercise in Musculoskeletal Risk Factors Related to Swimmer’s Shoulder

“…), using the available criteria. The final score higher than 7 was attributed to a study with “high quality”, between 5 and 6 for “moderate quality” was considered, and scores lower than 4 were of “low quality” [ 22 ].…”

Active or Healthy Ageing: “A Wonderful Journey between Body, Cognition and Emotion”

“…Thus, physical activity can play a crucial role in the protection against age-related morbidity and is crucial for older adult population. Accordingly, I hope that clinicians, therapists, exercise professionals, among others, that work with the elderly population may find a “viable strategy” towards healthy ageing, contributing to a healthier and more active ageing [ 4 ].…”