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.

Lilly Meikis,Pamela Wicker,Lars Donath

doi:10.3389/fneur.2021.724218

Lilly Meikis, Pamela Wicker + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2021.724218

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Abstract

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.

Highlights

The aging population has grown over the last century [1]
Pilates was found to be a safe exercise strategy for patients with Parkinson’s: In a recent meta-analysis [42], Pilates interventions (PIs) led to beneficial effects in overall fitness, balance, and functional autonomy
Since age-related declines in physical and psychological function is marked by several impairments, suitable training interventions engaging in overall fitness and resulting in physiological and psychological health are needed

Summary

Introduction

The aging population has grown over the last century [1]. The public health care systems are burdened of physical and psychological dysfunctioning of older populations due to age-related declines and illnesses [2]. It is essential to promote physical activity, and to maintain the independence and quality of life of older adults [15]. In this context, exercise-based strategies are fundamental for increasing or maintaining general activity levels [5, 16, 17]. Pilates recently emerged as a popular method and continues to gain interest [19, 20] This method is used in the field of rehabilitation and fitness to facilitate improvements in strength, flexibility, balance, endurance, coordination, and psychological health status [2, 21, 22]

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