Group Pilates Program And Muscular Strength And Endurance Among Elderly Woman

Muscular strength and peak power output substantially decline with age and can lead to impairments in neuromuscular function, degradation of the hormonal system and intrinsic factors such as age-related alterations in calcium homeostasis. PURPOSE: The purpose was to determine the effects of mat Pilates on muscular strength using dumbbell biceps curls and squats, and muscular endurance using chair squats in elderly woman. METHODS: Fifty sedentary, apparently healthy females aged 60 and older were randomly assigned into a control (CON, n = 25) or an intervention (INT, n = 25) group. The INT took part in an eight-week supervised progressive Pilates exercise program with sessions being conducted by a qualified Pilates instructor. The programme consisted of three non-consecutive 60 minute sessions that were repeated for the eight-week period only increasing in intensity. All sessions commenced with breathing, followed by a flowing system from standing, to sitting, to lying down exercises and ended in the rest position. The CON did not take part in any structured exercises throughout the eight-week period and were instructed to continue their usual activities. RESULTS: Significant (p [< or =] 0.05) improvements in upper-body muscular strength (19.12 + or - 5.13 repetitions (reps) - 27.84 + or - 5.68 reps; p = 0.000), lower-body muscular strength (13.24 + or - 3.23 reps - 7.52 + or - 3.81 reps; p = 0.000) and muscular endurance (24.48 + or - 11.62 reps to 44.16 + or - 18.97 reps; p = 0.000) were observed following Pilates training. CONCLUSIONS: Programs utilizing Pilates can improve muscular strength and endurance in the elderly and may assist in decreasing dependency and possibly lead to an improved quality of life in the elderly.