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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2021 Apr 2;100(13):e25289.
doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000025289.

Physical exercise and prevention of falls. Effects of a Pilates training method compared with a general physical activity program: A randomized controlled trial

Antonino Patti  1 , Daniele Zangla  1 , Fatma Nese Sahin  2 , Stefania Cataldi  3 , Gioacchino Lavanco  1 , Antonio Palma  1 , Francesco Fischietti  3
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Physical exercise and prevention of falls. Effects of a Pilates training method compared with a general physical activity program: A randomized controlled trial

Antonino Patti et al. Medicine (Baltimore). .

Abstract

Introduction: Falls are the leading cause of injury-related mortality and morbidity in the elderly. Physical activity plays a key role in the prevention of falls and stimulates postural control. The aim of this study was to compare a general physical activity program for the elderly with a Pilates program to evaluate the effects on balance and on reducing the risk of falling.

Materials and methods: Forty-six subjects were enrolled in this study, but only 41 were included in the study. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: Pilates group (P-G) and a group following a nonspecific program of physical activity (Pa-G). Each subject underwent the hand grip test, Berg balance scale test, and posturographic analysis.

Results: Spearman correlation coefficient showed correlations between the following parameters: BBS versus hand grip test (r = 0.68); BBS versus ellipse surface area (r = -0.75). There were significant differences between groups after the exercise program: both groups showed an improvement in performance but the P-G recorded significantly better results than the Pa-G.

Discussion and conclusions: This study confirmed that physical activity improves both balance and strength. However, our data show that Pilates has a greater effect on these physical abilities than a general physical activity program.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flowchart of study.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Pearson correlation index: hand grip test vs BBS.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Pearson correlation index; ellipse surface area vs BBS.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Hand grip analysis.
Figure 5
Figure 5
BBS analysis.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Ellipse surface area analysis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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