The Effect of Pilates Exercise on the Static and Dynamic Balance Ability and Balance Confidence in the Elderly

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of Pilates on static and dynamic balance ability and balance confidence in elderly. 48 participants from Chongqing Hongshan Community Elderly Care Center were involved. Participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups of 24 each.The experiment lasted 12 weeks. The experimental group was given Pilates exercise as intervention twice a week, 60 minutes each time while the control group maintained the same life routine as usually. The static balance ability was measured by the lasted time in 2 tests: Standing on one leg with eyes open and Standing on one leg with eyes closed. The dynamic balance ability was measured by the costed time in 2 tests: Standing up and walk timing test and Walking though the balance beam test. The Balance confidence was measured by ABC (Activity Balance Confidence) Questionnaire. Finally there were 43 elderly who participated completely while 5 of them dropped out due to their personal reasons. Data was collected before and after the experiment and statistical analysis was conducted using independent samples t-test and paired t-test. The result showed that 12 weeks of Pilates practice have positive effect on improving the static and dynamic balance ability as well as balance confidence in the elderly.

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