Abstract
Objective:
To evaluate the influence of the Mat Pilates method on thoracic hyperkyphosis and postural balance among elderly women.
Method:
A randomized longitudinal study was performed involving 31 elderly women who were divided into two groups: the Control Group (n=17) and the Pilates Group (n=14). The Pilates Group underwent training while the Control Group attended lectures. Evaluation consisted of specific balance (one-leg right and left) and thoracic kyphosis (computed biophotogrammetry) tests. The subjects were reassessed at the end of eight weeks. Data was analyzed by the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality, and the paired Student's t, the unpaired Student's t, the Wilcoxon, and the Mann-Whitney statistical tests, with a significance level of 5% (p<0.05).
Results:
The Pilates group maintained balance levels (p>0.05) and had a mean thoracic kyphosis reduction of 6 degrees (p<0.001). There was no significant difference (p>0.005) in any of the variables in the Control Group.
Conclusion:
The present study found that the Mat Pilates method contributed to a reduction in thoracic kyphosis and the maintenance of balance in the elderly women investigated. REBEC: RBR-6jd8nq
Key words:
Balance Postural; Kyphosis; Physical Therapy Modalities; Elderly
