Contributions on the effectiveness of the Pilates method in strength, balance and risk of falls in elderly people

Abstract

Objective

Collect, summarize and compare the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of the Pilates method in strength, balance and falls in older people.

Method

Search limited between 2004 and 2014. Databases: Medline, PubMed, Web of Knowledge, OVID, ScienceDirect and Academic Search Premier. The methodological quality was determined by the PEDro scale.

Results

Four studies measured the force and only one found significant improvements in isometric hip strength. In nine studies the static and dynamic balance was measured, showing positive results in eight of them. Of these, five studies are relationship between balance and reducing risk of falls.

Conclusions

The Pilates method is effective for improving the isometric hip strength and balance in older people, reducing the risk of falls. There is insufficient evidence to determine whether the strength of the core has to do with balance and falls.