The effects of Pilates exercise training on physical fitness and wellbeing in the elderly: A systematic review for future exercise prescription

• Published in: Preventive medicine Vol. 75; pp. 1 - 11
• Main Authors: Bullo, V, Bergamin, M, Gobbo, S, Sieverdes, J.C, Zaccaria, M, Neunhaeuserer, D, Ermolao, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.06.2015
• Subjects: Accidental Falls - prevention & control; Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Elderly; Exercise - physiology; Exercise Movement Techniques; Fall prevention; Female; Humans; Internal Medicine; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle Strength - physiology; Physical fitness; Physical Fitness - physiology; Pilates; Postural Balance; Quality of Life; Review; Walking - physiology; Physical fitness; Fall prevention; Pilates; Review; Elderly
• ISSN: 0091-7435; 1096-0260
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2015.03.002

Abstract This systematic review aims to summarize the effects of Pilates exercise training (PET) in elderly population on physical fitness, balance and fall prevention, and its effects on mood states, quality of life and independence in the daily living activities. Methods Keyword “Pilates” associated with “elderly”, “aging” and “old subjects” were identified as terms for the literature research in MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO and SPORTDiscus. Only studies published in peer-reviewed journals written in English language were considered. A meta-analysis was performed and effect sizes (ES) calculated. Results 10 studies were identified (6 RCTs and 4 uncontrolled trials); age ranged from 60 to 80 years. Overall, PET showed large ES to improve muscle strength (ES = 1.23), walking and gait performances (ES = 1.39), activities of daily living, mood states and quality of life (ES = 0.94), moderate to high effect on dynamic balance (ES = 0.77), small effects on static balance (ES = 0.34) and flexibility (ES = 0.31), while a small effect on cardio-metabolic outcomes (ES = 0.07). Conclusions PET should be taken into account as a way to improve quality of life in the elderly, due to the imparted benefits of fall prevention, physical fitness, and mood states. In this context, physicians might include PET as a tool for exercise prescriptions for the elderly.