To determine and compare the effects of a training program with Pilates and Facilitation Neuromuscular Proprioceptive on balance and function in elderly women.
Older women living in Teresina and participating in a local church project called "Pão dos Pobres" were randomly divided into three groups: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNFG), Pilates (PG) and Control(CG). Intervention: A training program (50 minutes session) was performed with the PNFG and the PG, 3 times a week, for 4 weeks. The elderly in CG suffered no intervention and continued with their daily activities. Main Outcome Measures: The stabilometric parameters, Berg Balance Scale score, functional reach test and Timed Up and Go test (TUG test) were measured before and one month after, in all participants.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
58
Participants were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups: Pilates group (n=20), which underwent one-month (three times per week) training program with the Pilates method; PNF group (n=20), that underwent one-month (three times per week) training program using the PNF method; and Control group (n=18), that received no intervention during that one month and continued with their daily activities.
Displacement of the center of pressure of the body
Displacement of the center of pressure of the body was collected using an electronic baropodometer, composed by a force platform with 1600 sensors. The subjects were oriented to be in a standing position in the platform, barefoot, bipedal support and with feet hip width apart.The kinetic variables related to body balance analyzed were: total displacement oscillation (TDO), amplitude of displacement of the center of pressure antero-posterior (ACPap), amplitude of displacement of the center of pressure medio-lateral (ACPml), displacement area (AREA), antero-posterior average speed (AAS), medio-lateral average speed (MAS) and total average speed (TAS).
Time frame: 1 month
Functional mobility on the Timed Up & Go test
The Timed Up \& Go test (TUG) was applied to evaluate functional mobility involving speed, agility and dynamic balance of the elderly women, measuring the time in seconds spent by the volunteer to stand up from a chair (seat height 45 cm) without the help of arms, walk a three meters distance, turn around and return.
Time frame: 1 month
Static and dynamic balance on the Berg Balance test
The Berg Balance Scale consists in 14 tasks, on a 5-point ordinal scale, ranging from 0 (unable to perform the task) to 5 (performs the task independently). Scores of the 14 tasks are summed into a total score, ranging from 0 to 56 points, the highest score being related to better performance and values lower or equal to 45 points being related to prediction of falls.
Time frame: 1 month
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.