Effects of Pilates Exercises on Dynamic Balance in Elderly Population

The process of age-related changes involves some kind of degenerative, gradual changes which are irreversible such as degradation of activity of cells and loss of physical adaptability. According to age-related changes such as changes in balance are specifically begins near the age 45 years-old, physical characteristics such as (flexibility, strength, balance and coordination) and sensory systems are affected which ultimately increase the chances of falls in elderly individuals. Balance can be defined as the ability of a person to control their position within the limits of base of support. Pilates is an individualized-based and low-intermediate intensity exercise that can be easily performed by the elderly . Conventional balance exercises which have rehabilitative effect in reducing risk of falls and enhancing functional ability in elderly population. Conventional balance training comprises of four components which are flexibility exercises, strength training, postural control exercise and endurance training.The objective of the study IS to find out the effects of Pilates exercises on dynamic balance in elderly population. The Twenty-four participants will be recruited and divided into two equal groups randomly. The group A(n=12) will perform Pilates-based exercises protocol for 50- minutes with 10-minutes warm-up phase, 30-minutes training phase and 10-minutes for cool-down phase, thrice a week for four week and the group B(n=12) will receive Conventional balance training exercises for 50-minutes, thrice a week for four weeks. Outcome measures will be were TUG and SPPB before and after the trial and the outcomes will be compared before and end of four weeks treatment protocol. Data will be analyze by SPSS version 21. Independent sample t- test and paired sample t-test will be utilize to compare and evaluate the effects of both approaches.

Inclusion criteria

• Those who had history of fall in past one year.
• Elderly population who scores 45 on Berg Balance Scale.

Exclusion criteria

• Those elderly individuals who are suffering from any kind of disease that can affect their performance for example Osteoarthritis grade III & IV, scoliosis.
• Those elderly individuals who are suffering from any kind of visual, auditory and neural or vestibular system disorders.
• Those elderly individuals who are unable to understand the treatment protocol.