Effect of the Mat Pilates method on postural balance and thoracic hyperkyphosis among elderly women: a randomized controlled trial

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