@article{ref1,
title="Positive long-term effects of pilates exercise on the age-related decline in balance and strength in older, community-dwelling men and women",
journal="Journal of aging and physical activity",
year="2014",
author="Bird, Marie Louise and Fell, James C.",
volume="22",
number="3",
pages="342-347",
abstract="This study investigated the effect of Pilates exercise on physical fall risk factors 12 months after an initial 5-week Pilates intervention. The authors hypothesized that ongoing Pilates participation would have a positive effect on physical fall risk factors in those who continued with Pilates exercise compared with those who ceased. Thirty older ambulatory adults (M = 69 years, SD = 7) participated in Pilates classes for 5 weeks with testing preintevention (Time 1 [T1]) and postintervention (Time 2 [T2]) and 12 months later (Time 3 [T3]). Balance and leg strength were compared using a 2-way analysis of variance with repeated measures. Postural sway, dynamic balance, and function improvements evident after the initial Pilates training (T1-T2) were maintained at T3 (p <.01). Significant differences existed at T3 for dynamic balance and strength between participants who continued performing Pilates (n = 14) and those who had ceased. Balance improvements after a short Pilates intervention were maintained 1 year later in all participants, with increased benefits from ongoing participation.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1063-8652",
doi="10.1123/JAPA.2013-0006",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/JAPA.2013-0006"
}