Effect of Pilates and Core Stability Exercise on Bone Mineral Density and Risk of Falls in Elderly Women

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to verify the effect of 8-week Pilates and core stability exercises on bone mineral density (BMD) and risk of falls in older adult women. METHODS: A total of 49 healthy women over 60 years of age were randomly classified into three groups: Pilates exercise group (PG, n=17), core stability exercise group (CSG, n=17), and control group (CON, n=12). Pilates and core stability exercise programs were applied in each group for 8 weeks. Before and after the two exercise programs, BMD, Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (Tinetti POMA), and balance ability were measured. RESULTS: There were no differences in BMD among the three groups depending on the application of the exercise program. The balance scores of the Tinetti POMA and total Tinetti POMA scores in both the PG and CSG were higher after the 8-week exercise pro-gram. In particular, the gait score of the Tinetti POMA in the PG was higher than that in the CSG. Static and dynamic balance abilities improved in both the PG and CSG. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that Pilates and core stability exercises can be effective for improving balance ability, leading to the prevention of falls in older adult women.