Effect of the Mat Pilates method on postural balance and thoracic hyperkyphosis among elderly women: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the influence of the Mat Pilates method on thoracic hyperkyphosis and postural balance among elderly women. Method: A randomized longitudinal study was performed involving 31 elderly women who were divided into two groups: the Control Group (n=17) and the Pilates Group (n=14). The Pilates Group underwent training while the Control Group attended lectures. Evaluation consisted of specific balance (one-leg right and left) and thoracic kyphosis (computed biophotogrammetry) tests. The subjects were reassessed at the end of eight weeks. Data was analyzed by the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality, and the paired Student's t, the unpaired Student's t, the Wilcoxon, and the Mann-Whitney statistical tests, with a significance level of 5% ( p<0.05). Results: The Pilates group maintained balance levels ( p>0.05) and had a mean thoracic kyphosis reduction of 6 degrees ( p<0.001). There was no significant difference ( p>0.005) in any of the variables in the Control Group. Conclusion: The present study found that the Mat Pilates method contributed to a reduction in thoracic kyphosis and the maintenance of balance in the elderly women investigated. REBEC: RBR-6jd8nq

Effect of Pilates Method on Physical Fitness Related to Health in the Elderly: A Systematic Review

“…On the other hand, the intervention may not have been vigorous enough to have an effect. Navega et al (2016) 30 found no effect on the static balance of the elderly after Pilates practice. Like Gabizon 29 , he argues that in order to improve balance, specific exercises should be included for this variable and he believes that assigning the improvement of the balance to an indirect increase in muscular strength is to overestimate the results.…”

The Effects of National Academy of Sports Medicine and Sahrmann Training on Foot Pressure Distribution in Flexed Posture Students

“…In this condition, the COM is transferred forward, a change in the natural function of proprioception; muscle spindles; articular mechanical receptors, and weakness in the endurance and strength of back muscles. Such conditions lead to a postural control disorder, that was previously documented by Navega et al [13] and Jang et al [14].…”

Método Pilates na comunidade: efeito sobre a postura corporal de idosas

“…Analyzing the benefit of the results observed and its repercussions from another evaluation point of view, the emphasis is that the reduction in shoulder angles can reflect a proposal of prevention and mitigation of the consequences of another problem associated with the aging process, which is the increase in the curvature of the dorsal region, usually accompanied by the abduction of the pectoral girdle, characterizing the thoracic kyphosis, a typical third-age posture change 24 .…”

“…Also, positive effects may be produced on the flexibility 21,26 , factor that has direct influence on the posture pattern 26 , studies indicate that the PM can be used for optimization of quality of life 24,25 and may be an option of collective work, conducted in groups in the communities, since it does not require specialized environments or equipment, is easy to be implemented and has no additional costs to health teams as well as demand for qualified health professionals. This could represent an important contribution concerning the expansion of the range of body practices in collective health.…”