My colleagues, Dawn-Marie Ickes, Gabrielle Shrier and Allyson Cabot are presenting their study at the APTA CSM Scientific Meeting this year:
Pilates-Based Exercise for Fall Risk Reduction in Older Adults: A Pilot Study |
Falls are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. Impairments in balance, strength, range of motion, and functional mobility can lead to increased fall risk. Pilates is a form of exercise designed to improve core strength, flexibility, and functional mobility, making it an exceptional form of exercise for individuals at risk for falls. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a Pilates-based exercise intervention in improving balance and reducing fall risk with a population of adults over 65 who are known fallers or at risk for falls.8 subjects (5 males, 3 females; mean age 78.6 years) participated in the study. Inclusion criteria included a self-reported history of two or more falls or one injurious fall in the past year or a Timed Up and Go (TUG) test of >13.5 seconds suggesting risk for falling. Six subjects completed the intervention and post-testing.
Subjects attended 10 sessions of a 45-minute Pilates-based exercise program once a week at Core Conditioning in Studio City, CA. Pilates training utilized the Balanced Body® Pilates Studio Reformer® under the supervision of a physical therapist who is a Gold Certified PMA Pilates Instructor with 9 years of experience using this methodology. Participant to instructor ratio was 4:1 with all subjects working on Reformers concurrently in a group class format. Each subject performed 10 specific exercises, 10 repetitions each, using varying resistance of 2-4 springs progressed according to each participant’s ability. The following outcomes measures improved significantly at the p<0.05 level: TUG scores significantly decreased from 14.8 to 11.1 seconds suggesting reduced fall risk; SOT composite scores significantly increased from 55.7 to 64.2/100 suggesting increased postural stability; BBS scores significantly increased from 44.8 to 51.8/56 suggesting improved static and dynamic balance; Right ankle dorsiflexion AROM significantly increased from 5.2° to 10.3° Pilates-based exercise using the Reformer performed once per week resulted in significant improvements in static and dynamic balance, ankle range of motion, functional mobility, and reduced fall risk in eight adults over age 65 who were at risk for falling. This pilot study suggests that rehabilitation focusing on Pilates exercise using the Reformer only once a week is an excellent intervention to improve balance and decrease fall risk in older adults. Future randomized-controlled studies should be performed to further validate these findings. |
Pilates-Based Exercise for Fall Risk Reduction in Older Adults: A Pilot Study
Filed under Osteoporosis
I have worked with years with older adults and clients in post rehabilitation. It is so great to have the research back up my observations.
Hi Leslie,
Yes, I am so excited that this type of research is being done! Thanks, Sherri
Thanks for this Sherri! Like you and Lesley I have been experiencing this with balance-challenged clients for decades and it is nice to have the backup.
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Sherri,
Made this instructor’s day when my 83 year old client ,with whom I have been working for almost a year, told me she was able to climb the steps of her granddaughter’s school without fear of falling. She was so happy to finally see the inside of her classroom!
Thanks, Sherri, to your great coursework, I have developed a teachable Osteoporosis/Balance Course for instructors that uses matwork, equipment, & auxiliary props. I am attending the Mind Body convention in April & would like to bring the course book for your perusal. We live in what you call a “flyover” state, so we are not able to abandon our practice & attend as many courses as the coastal instructors.
Fantastic! Please find me at Body Mind Spirit…would love to meet you!
Great post. I’ve had a lot of luck with Pilates. Ever since I began I feel more fit and much less tired. I enjoy my Pilates System training so much.