Effects of a Pilates exercise program on muscle strength, postural control and body composition: results from a pilot study in a group of post-menopausal women

Abstract

Participation in exercise programs is heartily recommended for older adults since the level of physical fitness directly influences functional independence. The aim of this present study was to investigate the effects of supervised Pilates exercise training on the physical function, hypothesizing that a period of Pilates exercise training (PET) can increase overall muscle strength, body composition, and balance, during single and dual-task conditions, in a group of post-menopausal women. Twenty-five subjects, aged 59 to 66 years old, were recruited. Eligible participants were assessed prior and after 3 months of PET performed twice per week. Muscular strength was evaluated with handgrip strength (HGS) test, 30-s chair sitto-stand test (30CST), and abdominal strength (AST) test. Postural control and dual-task performance were measured through a stabilometric platform while dynamic balance with 8 ft up and go test. Finally, body composition was assessed by means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Statistically significant improvements were detected on HGS (+8.22 %), 30CST (+23.41 %), 8 ft up and go test (−5.95 %), AST (+30.81 %), medio-lateral oscillations in open eyes and dual-task condition (−22.03 % and −10.37 %). Pilates was effective in increasing upper body, lower body, and abdominal muscle strength. No changes on body composition were detected. Results on this investigation indicated also that 12-week of mat Pilates is not sufficient to determine a clinical meaningful improvement on static balance in single and dual-task conditions.

Changes in Phase Angle and Handgrip Strength Induced by Suspension Training in Older Women

“…The innovative findings of this study were the significant increases on PhA and handgrip strength and decreases on %F in older women after a suspension exercise training program, regardless of age and BMI. Several studies have pointed out that traditional forms of physical activity, such as resistance and aerobic training, contribute to increased PhA and reduce fat mass in older adults [4,9,17]. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that investigated the effects of this new kind of training in a geriatric population.…”

A qualitative study of the experiences and perceptions of adults with chronic musculoskeletal conditions following a 12‐week Pilates exercise programme

“…A number of studies have shown that Pilates exercise programmes reduce both pain and disability (Choon Wyn Lim, Li Choo Poh, Ying Low, & Pong Wong, 2011;Natour, de Araujo Cazotti, Ribeiro, Baptista, & Jones, 2014;Quinn et al, 2011). Improvements in strength and function (Cancela, de Oliveira, de Oliveira, & de Almeida Pres-Oliveira, 2014;Donzeli Viera et al, 2017), better static and dynamic balance and improved walking parameters are associated with a reduced risk of falls (Bullo et al, 2015;Newell, Shead, & Sloan, 2012;Pata, Lord, & Lamb, 2014). Furthermore, some studies have reported improvements in quality of life and mood (Bullo et al, 2015;de Oliveira, de Oliveira, & de Almeida Pres-Oliveira, 2015;Ferreira et al, 2011).…”

Effects of Pilates Training and Turmeric Supplementation on Sirtuin 1 Level and Body Composition in Postmenopausal Females with Sedentary Overweight: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Clinical Trial

“…Exercise training is one of the interventions reported to reduce the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 30% and prevent loss of muscle mass and strength, increase the oxidative capacity of skeletal muscles, exert anti-inflammatory effects, and thereby, postpone agerelated muscle deteriorations (5). In the early 20th century, Joseph Pilates suggested a physical fitness system, called Pilates, that is well established to elicit numerous healthbeneficial effects and has the potential to counteract agerelated diseases, such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes (6,7).…”