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Mat Pilates Training Programme Improves Postural Balance in Older Male Adults With Mild Intellectual Disability
Imen Zarrouk1, Rihab Borji2,3, Sonia Sahli2
1Research Laboratory: Education, Motricité, Sport et Santé, EM2S (LR19JS01), High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
Background:
Older adults with intellectual disability often experience impaired postural balance due to the combined effects of intellectual disability-related deficits and age-related motor, sensory and cognitive limitations. Evidence on Pilates in this population remains limited. This randomised controlled trial investigated the effects of a Pilates programme on postural balance, muscle strength and reaction time in older male adults with mild intellectual disability.
Methods:
Twenty male older adults with mild intellectual disability were randomly assigned to Pilates training group (PTG; mean age: 50.00 ± 2.71 years) or control group (CG; mean age: 49.40 ± 2.12 years). Static postural balance (centre of pressure mean velocity, CoPVm), quadriceps maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and simple reaction time (SRT) were assessed pre- and post-8-week mat Pilates training programme consisting of 60-min sessions performed twice per week.
Results:
PTG showed a significant reduction in CoPVm values (p < 0.001) and SRT (p < 0.01) with a significant increase in MVC (p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed in CG.
Conclusion:
These findings highlight Pilates as an effective intervention to improve postural balance, muscle strength and reaction time in older male adults with mild intellectual disability.
