Pilates increases the isokinetic muscular strength of the knee extensors and flexors in elderly women

Abstract

Introduction: Pilates has been shown to be effective for increasing muscle strength in older adults, however, some variables have not yet been explored.

Objective: Investigate the effects of Pilates on the isokinetic muscular strength of the knee extensors and flexors at 60°/s, in elderly women.

Method: Thirty-two women were randomized into two groups: control group (CG, n = 16, age = 64.2 ± 0.8 years; BMI = 25.0 ± 1.2 kg/m²), and experimental group (EG, n = 16, age = 63.6 ± 1.0 years, BMI = 24.7 ± 1.3 kg/m²). Isokinetic evaluation of the knee extensor and flexor muscles was performed at 60°/s, pre- and post-intervention, considering the peak torque (N.m) and total work (J) for the right and left lower limbs. The CG participated in static stretching and the EG in Pilates sessions, twice a week for 12 weeks.

Results: The results demonstrated that the EG presented a significant improvement (p < 0.01) in all tests performed, when comparing the pre- and post-intervention (intragroup), with an effect size (Cohen's d) reaching 2.03 and 1.33 for the knee flexor and extensor muscles respectively. Comparing the CG and EG (intergroup), post-intervention, a significant improvement was observed (p ≤ 0.01) in favor of the EG for all variables, with an effect size (Cohen's d) reaching 1.59 and 1.15 for the knee flexor and extensor muscles respectively.

Conclusion: The results indicated that 12 weeks of Pilates increases the isokinetic muscular strength of the knee extensors and flexors in elderly women and can be considered for this purpose when prescribing physical exercise programs.

Keywords: Aged; Exercise; Female; Muscle strength dynamometer.