The effects of standing pilates exercise training on muscle strength, physical performance, balance and fall risk in older adults with sarcopenia

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Standing Pilates exercise training on muscle strength, physical performance, balance and fall risk in older adults with sarcopenia. Method: The prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in Narlıdere Nursing Home Elderly Care and Rehabilitation Center with thirty- two older adults with sarcopenia who met the inclusion criteria. The handgrip strength, knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion muscle strengths, functional mobility and balance level, fall risk and physical performance of the participants who were divided into two groups were measured (16 Standing Pilates and 16 Control). The Standing Pilates group exercise program were applied to the Standing Pilates Group twice weekly, for 12 weeks, while no intervention was made to the Control Group. The same measurements were repeated to all participants at the end of twelve weeks. Results: In terms of demographic characteristics and all measurement parameters, all participants were similar at the baseline (p>0,05). At the end of the twelve weeks, when the groups were compared, a significant difference was found in favor of the Standing Pilates Group in handgrip strength, physical performance test's total score, duration and total score of limits of stability test and sway index in case of eyes open firm surface (p<0,05). Conclusion: The results show that Standing Pilates training can be used safely in the sarcopenic older adult population, and also that Standing Pilates training has a positive effect on handgrip strength, physical performance and balance levels, but does not improve lower extremity muscle strength. Key Words: Exercise, Sarcopenia, Standing Pilates, Balance