The effect of pilates exercises on pelvic floor,balance, posture and quality of life in postmenopausal women

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of pilates exercises on pelvic floor muscle strength, balance and posture in postmenopausal women. Totally 44 postmenopausal women whose average age was 55.71 years, were included into this study. Their pelvic floor muscle strength was evaluated with perineometer, postural changes with Biodex Balance System and postmenopausal quality of life with menopause specific quality of life questionnaire; afterwards the subjects were divided into two groups; pilates exercise group (n=21), home based exercise group (n=23). Pilates exercises group were given pilates exercises, for 8 weeks, 3 times a week. Home based exercise group were given 8 weeks home exercises. Each group was assessed before training and after eight weeks. Significant diffirences were found in the pelvic floor muscle strength, quality of life and depression levels for pilates exercise group both in intragroup evaluations and in comparisons between groups (p<0.05). Additionaly significant differences were found in intragroup evaluations for some parameters of balance. A significant improvement was found in the fall parameter of balance evaluation in comparisons between groups (p<0.05). No significant differences were found between groups in posture evaluations (p>0.05). It was concluded that the pilates exercises increases the pelvic floor muscle strength, quality of life and phsycological status, in postmenopausal women.