Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 26, 2025
Exergaming in Older People Living with HIV Improves Balance, Mobility and Ameliorates Some Aspects of Frailty
Published on: October 6, 2016
Pilates improves physical performance and decreases risk of falls in older adults: a systematic review and
Rubén Fernández-Rodríguez1, Celia Álvarez-Bueno2, Asunción Ferri-Morales3
1Movi-Fitness S.L, Universidad de Castilla La-Mancha, Cuenca, Spain; Universidad de Castilla La-Mancha, Health and Social Research Center, Cuenca, Spain.
Background:
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in older adults. Physical exercise is a suitable strategy to reduce the risk of falls, but there is little research on the effectiveness of specific exercise modalities.
Objectives:
To estimate the effectiveness of Pilates compared to habitual or non-exercise on physical performance and the risk of falls in older adults.
Data Sources:
Five databases were searched through April 15, 2021.
Study Selection:
Randomized controlled trial in people aged ≥60 years.
Outcomes:
balance, strength, flexibility, functionality, and risk of falls.
Data Synthesis:
Pooled standardized mean differences were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses based on Pilates' modality, the existence of a detailed exercise protocol, supervision by a certified instructor, and overall risk of bias were performed.
Results:
Thirty-nine studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analyses. The meta-analyses indicated a moderate effect of Pilates on balance (ES=0.36; 95% CI=0.21 to 0.50), strength (ES=0.63; 95% CI=0.44 to 0.81), flexibility (ES=0.41; 95% CI=0.16 to 0.67), and functionality (ES=0.51; 95% CI=0.32 to 0.72) as well as a large effect on the risk of falls (ES=0.90; 95% CI=0.41 to 1.38) in older adults when compared with control groups. The level of certainty of the findings was low for balance, flexibility, and functionality and moderate for strength and falls.
Conclusion And Implications Of Key Findings:
Pilates may promote the autonomy of older people in their daily living activities. Systematic Review Registration Number PROSPERO CRD42018116452.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
01:15Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
01:18Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:00Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...