TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2021//
TI  - Physical exercise and prevention of falls. Effects of a Pilates training method compared with a general physical activity program: a randomized controlled trial
JO  - Medicine (Baltimore)
A1  - Patti, Antonino
A1  - Zangla, Daniele
A1  - Sahin, Fatma Nese
A1  - Cataldi, Stefania
A1  - Lavanco, Gioacchino
A1  - Palma, Antonio
A1  - Fischietti, Francesco
SP  - e25289
EP  - e25289
VL  - 100
IS  - 13
N2  - INTRODUCTION: Falls are the leading cause of injury-related mortality and morbidity in the elderly. Physical activity plays a key role in the prevention of falls and stimulates postural control. The aim of this study was to compare a general physical activity program for the elderly with a Pilates program to evaluate the effects on balance and on reducing the risk of falling. <br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six subjects were enrolled in this study, but only 41 were included in the study. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: Pilates group (P-G) and a group following a nonspecific program of physical activity (Pa-G). Each subject underwent the hand grip test, Berg balance scale test, and posturographic analysis. <br><br>RESULTS: Spearman correlation coefficient showed correlations between the following parameters: BBS versus hand grip test (r = 0.68); BBS versus ellipse surface area (r = -0.75). There were significant differences between groups after the exercise program: both groups showed an improvement in performance but the P-G recorded significantly better results than the Pa-G. <br><br>DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that physical activity improves both balance and strength. However, our data show that Pilates has a greater effect on these physical abilities than a general physical activity program.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0025-7974
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000025289
ID  - ref1
ER  -