Author(s): GEREMIA, S., VILLAS-BOAS, J., SOUSA, F., CARVALHO, J., PIZARRO, A. , Institution: FACULDADE DE DESPORTO DA UNIVERSIDADE DO PORTO, Country: PORTUGAL, Abstract-ID: 2259

INTRODUCTION:
Balance, functional performance and falls have been associated with trunk muscles strength (1) and some evidence show motor control deficits of the trunk muscles in older adults (2). The Pilates method aims to strengthen the core, and seeks to activate the trunk deep muscles before moving limbs allowing seniors to move safely and effectively, and respond better to external disturbances that may occur (3). Our aim is to explore if a 20-week Pilates intervention, easy to apply, low cost and well accepted by older adults could improve trunk strength.

METHODS:
Participants (n=66) with a mean age of 72 (DP=5,26) were allocated into a control (n=24) and an experimental group (n=42). EG were divided into small groups (n=14) and submitted to a 20-week Pilates (Polestar® and Phisicalmind®) exercise program of two 60-minute sessions per week. The method uses slow and controlled movements, emphasizing on the concentric and eccentric phases of the exercise and correct posture, preserving the quality of the movement, and aimed to develop trunk strength and stability (core), spinal mobility, upper and lower limb strength and flexibility, coordination, balance, agility, control, and concentration. The maximum concentric torques of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles for participants with an attendance rate of ≥80% were obtained using an isokinetic dynamometer isokinetic (Biodex Isokinetic Systems 4 Pro-Tm) with a 5 maximal repetition test at 60 degrees per second. GLM were used to analyze differences between groups in time.
RESULTS:
After the 20-week intervention EG significantly (p=0.03) increased their peak torque at extension (MD 65.985N.m) and flexion (MD 5,561 N.m; p=0.014) while no significant differences were found for the control group between moments in extension but for flexion (MD -12,414 N.m; p<0.001). A significant time*group effect (p<0.001) for flexion and extension (p=0.007) was also found showing different changes over time between the two groups.
CONCLUSION:
A 20-week Pilates exercise program was effective in increasing trunk muscles flexion and extension peak torque suggesting an important contribution to older adult’s balance that might translate into a reduction in fall risk.

1-Granacher, U., Gollhofer, A., Hortobágyi, T., Kressig, R. W., & Muehlbauer, T. (2013). The importance of trunk muscle strength for balance, functional performance, and fall prevention in seniors: a systematic review. Sports Med, 43(7), 627-641.
2- Hwang, J. H., Lee, Y. T., Park, D. S., & Kwon, T. K. (2008). Age affects the latency of the erector spinae response to sudden loading. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon), 23(1), 23-29.
3- Suh, J. H., Kim, H., Jung, G. P., Ko, J. Y., & Ryu, J. S. (2019). The effect of lumbar stabilization and walking exercises on chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore), 98(26), e16173.
Acknowledgments: doi:10.54499/UIDB/00617/2020. doi:10.54499/UIDP/00617/2020. SG:2023.02364.BD. AP:doi.org/10.54499/DL57/2016/CP1455/CT0002