Pilates Exercises Improves Anticipatory Muscular Activation in Elderly Women: A RCT Study

Abstract Aims: to investigate the effects of Pilates exercise on the anticipatory activation of selected lower limb muscles and balance in elderly women who had previous history of falling. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 22 elderly women were divided into the control (n = 10) and the experimental (n = 12) groups. The Berg balance scale and Timed Up and Go Test and electrical activity of selected lower-limb muscles were collected before and after the intervention period. The experimental group performed the Pilates exercises for eight weeks (three sessions of one hour per week). Results: Pilates exercises had a significant effect on the Berg balance scale (p = 0.001), the timed up and go test (p < 0.001), the onset time of the tibialis anterior (p < 0.001), vastus lateralis (p = 0.004), vastus medialis (p = 0.033), and biceps femoris (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Pilates exercises can improve anticipatory activation of lower extremity muscles, balance and performance in elderly women with falling history.