The effects of the Pilates method in the elderly: a systematic review

Redox Status of Postmenopausal Women with Single or Multiple Cardiometabolic Diseases Has a Similar Response to Mat Pilates Training

Postmenopausal women have a high prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases and that may associate with higher oxidative stress. Exercise can contribute to the treatment of such diseases, but some modalities, such as Mat Pilates, need to be further studied in terms of their physiological responses. Our aim was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of Mat Pilates on redox status in postmenopausal women with one or multiple comorbidities of cardiometabolic diseases. Forty-four postmenopausal women were divided into two groups: SINGLE, composed of women with one cardiometabolic disease (n = 20) and MULT, with multimorbidity (n = 24). Mat Pilates training was conducted three times a week for 12 weeks, and each session lasted 50 min. Plasma samples were collected before and after training to analyze the following redox markers: superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity due to ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), reduced glutathione (GSH), uric acid, and carbonyl protein. ANCOVA showed interaction effects in FRAP (p = 0.014). Both groups had reduced levels of catalase (p = 0.240) and GSH (p = 0.309), and increased levels of carbonyl protein (p = 0.053) after intervention. In conclusion, the redox status of postmenopausal women shows no changes mediated by Mat Pilates training between SINGLE and MULT, except for greater reductions of FRAP in SINGLE.

Effects of Pilates Training on Physiological and Psychological Health Parameters in Healthy Older Adults and in Older Adults With Clinical Conditions Over 55 Years: A Meta-Analytical Review

This meta-analytical review aimed at comparing the impact of Pilates interventions (PIs) on physiological and psychological health parameters in healthy older adults and older adults with a clinical condition aged 55 years and older. The literature search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus). Randomized controlled trials that aimed at improving physiological and psychological health parameters in adults aged 55 years and older using Pilates as an intervention were screened for eligibility. The included data was extracted and assigned based on participants' health condition (clinical vs. non-clinical), as well as the respective control condition used in the study [inactive (IC) vs. active control group (AC)]. Statistical analyses were computed using a random-effects inverse-variance model. Fifty-one studies with a total of 2,485 participants (mean age: 66.5 ± 4.9 years) were included. Moderate effects (SMD: 0.55; 0.68) were found for physiological health parameters (muscle strength, balance, endurance, flexibility, gait, and physical functioning) in both experimental (clinical and non-clinical) conditions when compared to ICs (p < 0.003; p = 0.0001), and small to moderate effects (SMD: 0.27; 0.50) when compared to ACs (p = 0.04; p = 0.01). Moderate to large effects (SMD: 0.62; 0.83) were documented for psychological health parameters (quality of life, depression, sleep quality, fear of falling, pain, and health perception) in both conditions when compared to ICs (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). PIs induce small to large effects in physiological and psychological health parameters in older adults, regardless of their health condition. The substantial heterogeneity within the included studies complicated standardized comparison of the training modalities between the two target groups. Nonetheless, Pilates seems to be a safe, adaptable, and promising exercise approach for a heterogenous population of older adults.

Pilates Reducing Falls Risk Factors in Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The main theme of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to synthesize the evidence of randomized controlled trial of evidence of Pilates intervention, in comparison to control groups and other forms of exercise, for falls prevention in healthy older adults. Methods: The following electronic databases were searched up to October 2020; EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, MEDLINE (Ovid), Science Direct, Cochrane, and CINAHL. The recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses were followed. A PICOS approach was adopted as a framework to formulate the research question and set the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were healthy older adults, defined as older adults who have maintained functional ability, including participants of both genders, those with a falls history, non-fallers, and individuals who were considered to be sedentary or active. Randomized controlled trials studies, written in the English language, from the decade, were included if they focused on specific outcome measures to decrease falls risk; functional mobility, mobility, fear of falling, gait, and postural stability. The PEDro scale was used to assess risk of bias. Results: There were included 12 studies. In total, 702 healthy older adults' participants were included. Pilates showed an effect in mediolateral directions in comparison to control groups (MD = -1.77, 95% CI, -2.84 to -0.70, p = 0.001, heterogeneity: I ² = 3%), mobility (MD = 9.23, 95% CI, 5.74 to 12.73, p < 0.00001, heterogeneity: I ² = 75%) and fear of falling (MD = -8.61, 95% CI, -10.16 to -7.07, p < 0.00001, heterogeneity: I ² = 88%). In relation to other exercises group, Pilates showed positive effects in functional mobility (MD = -1.21, 95% CI, -2.30 to -0.11, p = 0.03, heterogeneity: I ² = 80%), mobility (MD = 3.25, 95% CI, 1.46 to 5.04, p < 0.0004, heterogeneity: I ² = 0%). No evidence of an improvement was found between the groups for dynamic gait index (MD = 2.26, 95% CI, -0.05 to 4.56, p = 0.06, heterogeneity: I ² = 86%), anteroposterior directions of balance (MD = -1.58, 95% CI, -3.74 to -0.59, p = 0.15, heterogeneity: I ² = 51%) and functional mobility when compared to control groups (no exercise) (MD = -1.24, 95% CI, -2.48 to -0.00, p = 0.05, heterogeneity: I ² = 87%). Discussion: Pilates may be effective in decreasing the risk of falls in older adults. Pilates intervention was found to improve functional mobility, mobility, gait, fear of falling and postural stability and therefore there is some evidence to suggest that Pilates reduces certain risk factors for falls in healthy older adults. However, there is an absence of high-quality evidence in regards to the impact of Pilates on reducing falls and further robust RCTs are needed. Systematic Review Registration: [PROSPERO], identifier [CRD42021206134].

The impact of an 8-week Pilates-based physical training program on functional mobility: data from a septuagenarian group

Study aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a Pilates-based training program on functional mobility and strength in community-dwelling adults over 70 years old.

Material and methods: Twenty community-dwelling elderly subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to control (C = 10) or Pilates training (PT = 10) groups for 8 weeks (2 times/week). Anthropometric, strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, functional mobility, and static and dynamic balance parameters were assessed before and after the intervention.

Results: The PT group had higher values of lower limb strength (p = 0.013 d = 0.56) and 6-minute walking test distance (p = 0.04; d = 0.45) than the C group. The PT group also had differences in one leg stance duration and decrease in the Timed Up and Go test. We also observed a positive correlation between muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.01, r = 0.62), cardiorespiratory fitness and one leg stance, eyes closed, right and left leg (p = 0.04, r = 0.45; p = 0.05, r = 0.45, respectively).

Conclusions: Eight weeks of Pilates-based physical training induced improvements in skeletal muscle strength and functional mobility of community-dwelling septuagenarians.

Perspectives of inpatient neurological rehabilitation in elderly patients

Demographic data record an increasing number of people aged over 65 years, with specific health conditions and a high probability to suffer from chronic diseases, cognitive impairment or loss of autonomy, and with limited functional reserve. The prevalence of disability increases with age, affecting 33% of men and 42% of women aged over 85 years. Many neurodegenerative disorders increase in prevalence with age. Thus, the need for rehabilitation treatment in this segment of population is very high, loss of functioning being the most prominent condition for admitting elderly persons in rehabilitation facilities. Rehabilitation in the elderly is an important tool in regaining autonomy, associated with substantial reduction in the burden of health and social costs. Patients aged over 80 years need a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) to establish the global capabilities of the person for inclusion in a coordinated therapy plan and a long term follow-up. CGA will identify patients with severe or complicated medical conditions and important disability who require a multidisciplinary team and a coordinated rehabilitation program, accessible only in rehabilitation hospitals. Rehabilitation treatment should start from the intensive care unit, and continues until the patient reaches a plateau of maximal functional improvement. The most useful therapeutic interventions in old people are physical and occupational therapy, and, for selected and stable patients, therapy in a balnear resort is an option to improve their quality of life. Key words: geriatric population, rehabilitation, loss of autonomy, old patients,

Effects of aerobic exercise in the treatment of older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain: a protocol of a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Chronic musculoskeletal pain affects the quality of life of older adults by interfering in their ability to perform activities of daily living. Aerobic exercise programs have been used in the treatment of various health conditions, including musculoskeletal disorders. However, there is still little evidence on the effects of aerobic exercise for the treatment of older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Thus, the objective of this study is to assess the effects of aerobic exercise in improving pain and function of older adults with chronic pain as a consequence of different chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

METHODS

The databases to be used in the search are PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Randomized controlled trials that used aerobic exercise in the treatment of older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain will be included. Primary outcomes will be pain and function. We will use the PEDro scale to evaluate the methodological quality and statistical description of each included study, and the strength of the recommendations will be summarized using GRADE.

DISCUSSION

The results of this systematic review will provide a synthesis of the current evidence on the effects of aerobic exercise in the treatment of older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain. In addition, this information can help health professionals in decision-making about the use of aerobic exercise in the treatment of older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This systematic review was recorded prospectively, and the results will be part of a doctoral thesis to be published in a peer-reviewed international journal and possibly presented at international conferences.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO, CRD42019118903.

Which strength and balance activities are safe and efficacious for individuals with specific challenges (osteoporosis, vertebral fractures, frailty, dementia)?: A Narrative review

Physical activity guidelines advocate the inclusion of strength and balance activities, twice a week, for adults and older adults, but with caveat that in some individuals there will be certain movements and activities that could lead to adverse events. This scoping review summarizes the evidence about how safe and efficacious these activities are in older adults with specific challenges that might make them more prone to injury (e.g. having recently fractured or at risk of fracture (osteoporosis) or those who are frail or who have cognitive impairment). The review identified that for prevention of falls in people with a falls history and/or frailer older adults, structured exercise programmes that incorporate progressive resistance training (PRT) with increasing balance challenges over time are safe and effective if performed regularly, with supervision and support, over at least 6 months. Some minor adverse effects mainly transient musculoskeletal pain) have been reported. For those with a higher risk of falls and fractures (very poor balance, vertebral fractures), supervised structured exercise programmes are most appropriate. People with diagnosed osteoporosis should be as active as possible and only avoid activities with a high risk of falls if they are naïve to those activities. For those in transition to frailty who have poor strength and balance, exercises that are known to help maintain strength and balance (such as Tai Chi) are effective in preventing a decline in falls risk. For the very frail older adult, supervised structured exercise that has PRT, balance training and some endurance work, supervised and progressed by a trained person are advocated.