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JOURNAL
OF
SPORTS SCIENCE &
MEDICINE
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Research
article
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INTEGRATING PILATES EXERCISE INTO AN EXERCISE PROGRAM FOR 65+ YEAR-OLD WOMEN TO REDUCE FALLS |
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Gonul Babayigit Irez1  ,
Recep Ali Ozdemir2, Ruya Evin3, Salih Gokhan Irez4
and Feza Korkusuz2 |
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1Mugla University, School of Physical Education and Sports, Mugla, 2Middle East Technical University, Physical Education and Sports, Ankara, 3Emekli Sandigi Balgat 75.Yżl Huzurevi, Ankara and 4 Gazi University, Physical Education and Sports, Ankara, Turkey |
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© Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2011) 10, 105 - 111 |
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| ABSTRACT | |||
| The purpose of this study was to determine if Pilates exercise
could improve dynamic balance, flexibility, reaction time and muscle strength
in order to reduce the number of falls among older women. 60 female volunteers
over the age of 65 from a residential home in Ankara participated in this
study. Participants joined a 12-week series of 1-hour Pilates sessions three
times per week. Dynamic balance, flexibility, reaction time and muscle strength
were measured before and after the program. The number of falls before and
during the 12-week period was also recorded. Dynamic balance, flexibility,
reaction time and muscle strength improved (p < 0. 05) in the exercise
group when compared to the non-exercise group. In conclusion, Pilates exercises
are effective in improving dynamic balance, flexibility, reaction time,
and muscle strength as well as decreasing the propensity to fall in older
women.
Key words: Pilates, elderly women, balance, reaction time, muscle strength. |
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