Can mat Pilates intervention increase lower limb rate of force development in overweight physically active older women?

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of 12 weeks of mat Pilates intervention (60 min sessions, three times per week) on lower limb rate of force development (RFD) parameters (absolute and relative values and contractile impulse) in physically active and overweight elderly women. Fourteen elderly women (age 62 ± 3 years) participated in this study. Workouts were performed in three sets; repetitions increased every 4 weeks, and exercise difficulty increased from beginner to intermediate and advanced levels. Knee extensor and hip extensor–flexor RTD parameters were measured at different time intervals (0–30, 0–50, 0–100, 0–150, 0–200, and 0–250 ms) before (weeks − 4 and 0, control period) and after 6 and 12 weeks of mat Pilates intervention. No statistical difference (p > 0.05) was observed between weeks − 4 and 0 (control period). However, significant increments were observed after week 12 for most time intervals for absolute and relative knee extensor and hip extensor–flexor RFD, as well as for contractile impulse for the same muscle groups. We conclude that the mat Pilates causes significant increments in knee extensor and hip extensor–flexor RFD and contractile impulse using an incremental structure of training in physically active elderly women.