Pilates Reformer exercises for fall risk reduction in older adults: A randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Physical Therapy
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Falls are a significant concern for adults aged 65 and over, leading to injury and reduced independence.
• Balance, mobility, and self-efficacy are critical factors in fall prevention for older adults.
• Existing exercise interventions may not fully address the multifaceted nature of fall risk in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a 10-week Pilates Reformer exercise program on fall risk, balance, mobility, self-efficacy, and active range of motion.
• To compare the outcomes of the Pilates intervention group with a control group receiving no intervention.
• To determine if Pilates Reformer exercises can enhance functional abilities and reduce fall risk in older adults.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 55 adults (age 65+) at risk for falls.
• Participants were assigned to either a Pilates Reformer intervention group (once weekly for 10 weeks) or a control group.
• Primary outcomes included Sensory Organization Test (SOT), Timed Up-and-Go (TUG), and Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale; secondary outcomes included AROM and Berg Balance Scale (BBS).

Main Results:

• The Pilates intervention group showed significant improvements over time in TUG, BBS, 10MWT, and lower extremity AROM (hip extension, straight leg raise, ankle dorsiflexion).
• The control group did not exhibit significant improvements in these measures.
• Significant between-group differences were observed for hip extension, left SLR, and right ankle dorsiflexion AROM post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• A 10-week Pilates Reformer program effectively reduced fall risk and improved static/dynamic balance, functional mobility, balance self-efficacy, and lower extremity AROM in older adults.
• Pilates Reformer exercises were found to be more effective than no intervention for enhancing hip and ankle AROM.
• The findings support the use of Pilates Reformer exercises as a beneficial intervention for fall prevention in older adults.