Abstract
Bird M-L, Hill KD, Fell JW. A randomized controlled study investigating static and
dynamic balance in older adults after training with Pilates.
Objective
To evaluate effects of a Pilates intervention on balance and function in community-dwelling
older (aged >60y) adults.
Design
Randomized crossover study design lasting 16 weeks.
Setting
University exercise clinic.
Participants
Ambulatory older community-dwelling adults (N=32) were recruited, and 27 (mean ± SD
age, 67.3±6.5y) completed the program.
Intervention
Participants were allocated to either 5 weeks of a group Pilates training intervention
or 5 weeks of usual activity (control). After a 6-week washout period, participants
performed the alternate intervention.
Main Outcome Measures
Static and dynamic balance measures (mediolateral sway range, Four Square Step Test,
Timed Up and Go Test) and leg strength were recorded at 4 times before and after each
intervention (baseline [t1], interim time immediately after the first group intervention
[t2], after 5-week washout [before the second intervention period] [t3], and at study
conclusion after the second group intervention [t4]).
Results
There were no significant differences between the Pilates and control groups for any
measured variables (P>.05) despite static and dynamic balance significantly improving during the study
and from pre- to post-Pilates (P<.05) without significant changes occurring during the control phase. Improvements
that occurred during Pilates between t1 and t2 did not return to baseline after the
washout period (t3). There were no changes in leg strength. Mediolateral sway range
standing on a foam cushion with eyes closed improved −1.64cm (95% confidence interval,
−2.47 to −0.82) and had the largest effect size post-Pilates (d=.72).
Conclusions
Although there were no significant between-group differences, participation in the
Pilates component of the study led to improved static and dynamic balance. The absence
of differences between conditions may be a result of small sample size or the crossover
study design because Pilates may produce neuromuscular adaptations of unknown resilience.
Key Words
List of Abbreviations:
CHAMPS (Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors), FSST (Four Square Step Test), ICC (intraclass correlation coefficient), t1 (baseline), t2 (interim time immediately after the first group intervention), t3 (after 5-week washout (before the second intervention period)), t4 (at study conclusion after the second group intervention), TUG (Timed Up and Go)To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 05, 2011
Footnotes
Supported by the University of Tasmania Faculty of Health Science Strategic Activities (seed funding grant).
No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit on the authors or on any organization with which the authors are associated.
Clinical Trial Registration No: ACTRN12609000772246.
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
