Effect of a protocol in pairs based on the Mat Pilates method on the risk of falls of older women

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to verify if a short-term training based on the Mat Pilates Method is effective to reduce the risk of falls in older women. Method: Sixteen women aged 60 years or more participated in this study. Before and after the training, they performed evaluations of static balance (Romberg test), dynamic balance (Berg Balance Scale), lower limb muscle strength (30-second sit to stand test), functional mobility (Timed-Up-and-Go test) and gait (kinematic evaluation). The training occurred during five weeks (two weekly sessions) and occurred in pairs. Results: After the intervention, there were significant improvements on muscle strength, static and dynamic balance, functional mobility, gait velocity, and step and stride length. Conclusion: It was concluded that a protocol based on the Mat Pilates method, despite the short duration, is an efficient intervention alternative, which was verified through the improvements on the parameters evaluated, that are related to a reduction in the risk of falls in the elderly.