Pilates vs. Balance Training in Health Community-Dwelling Seniors: a 3-arm, Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Physiology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Aging is associated with declines in balance and trunk strength, increasing fall risk.
• Community-dwelling seniors often seek effective exercise interventions to maintain functional independence.
• Traditional balance training and mat-based Pilates are popular exercise modalities for older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of traditional balance training versus mat-based Pilates on balance and trunk strength in healthy seniors.
• To evaluate the efficacy of these interventions against a control group.

Main Methods:

• Forty-eight healthy seniors were randomized into a balance training group (BAL), Pilates group (PIL), or control group (CON).
• Interventions lasted 8 weeks, with 2 sessions per week.
• Balance was assessed using single limb stance, perturbed kneeling, and the Y-Balance test. Trunk strength was measured via dynamic and isometric flexion and extension tests.

Main Results:

• Traditional balance training (BAL) significantly improved Y-balance scores and single limb stance compared to the control group (CON).
• BAL also showed substantial improvements in trunk extension strength versus CON.
• Mat-based Pilates (PIL) did not yield significant improvements in balance or trunk strength compared to CON.
• BAL demonstrated superior outcomes over PIL for Y-balance and single limb stance.

Conclusions:

• Traditional balance training is a highly effective intervention for enhancing balance and trunk strength in healthy seniors.
• Mat-based Pilates, as implemented, does not appear to provide significant benefits for balance or trunk strength in this demographic.
• Balance training should be prioritized for seniors aiming to improve functional stability and reduce fall risk.