Pilates vs. muscular training in older women. Effects in functional factors and the cognitive interaction: A randomized controlled trial

María Carrasco-Poyatos; Jacobo A Rubio-Arias; Ismael Ballesta-García; Domingo J Ramos-Campo

doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.12.008

Pilates vs. muscular training in older women. Effects in functional factors and the cognitive interaction: A randomized controlled trial

Physiol Behav. 2019 Mar 15:201:157-164. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.12.008. Epub 2018 Dec 8.

Authors

María Carrasco-Poyatos¹, Jacobo A Rubio-Arias², Ismael Ballesta-García³, Domingo J Ramos-Campo⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Education, Universidad de Almería, Carretera Sacramento s/n, 04120, La Cañada de San Urbano, Almería, Spain. Electronic address: carrasco@ual.es.
² Department of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, UCAM Research Centre for High Performance Sport, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Campus de los Jerónimos, Guadalupe, Murcia, (Spain). Electronic address: jararias@ucam.edu.
³ Department of Education, Universidad de Almería, Carretera Sacramento s/n, 04120, La Cañada de San Urbano, Almería, Spain. Electronic address: ismaelballestagarcia@gmail.com.
⁴ Department of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, UCAM Research Centre for High Performance Sport, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Campus de los Jerónimos, Guadalupe, Murcia, (Spain). Electronic address: djramos@ucam.edu.

PMID: 30529737
DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.12.008

Abstract

Objectives: The goal was to analyze the effect of two different training programs on functional autonomy, balance, and body composition in aged women and to determine the influence of their cognitive function.

Methods: Older women aged between 60 to 80 years old were invited to participate in the study. A block randomisation method was used to allocate participants to the Pilates group (PEP), the Muscular group (MEP) and the control group (CG) with equal sample sizes (n = 20). PEP or MEP were required to train twice a week (1 hour/session) in a moderate to vigorous intensity for 18 weeks. Functional autonomy was assessed with the GDLAM protocol. The cognitive function, withthe Mini-Mental State (MMS). Static balance, with a force platform (Kistler 9286AA). Body composition, with a dual-energy X-ray bone densitometry. Research staff performing the assessment and statistical analysis was blinded.

Results: Eighty participants were randomized, 16 women did not meet the inclusion criteria and 4 refused to participate. 60 participants were analysed. Either Pilates or Muscular group improved significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in every GDLAM test. Pilates had a better general functional condition index (IG) than the Muscular group (P = 0.042). There was a significant interaction (P ≤ 0.05) between the cognitive function and two items of the GDLAM test. The amplitude of displacement of the center of pressure in the antero-posterior plane decreased significantly in the Muscular group (P = 0.04). The total lean body increased in the Pilates (P =< .001) and the Muscular groups (P = 0.05).

Conclusions: Pilates should be recommended for improving the general functional condition of older women, while the Muscular exercise is effective for enhancing the static balance. Both exercise programs are effective for increasing the total lean body. The cognitive function interacts with some functional autonomy parameters Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02506491; available from https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT02506491).

Keywords: Center of pressure; Functional status; Lean body mass; Mental health; Women.

Publication types

Comparative Study
Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Absorptiometry, Photon
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Body Composition
Cognition / physiology*
Exercise Movement Techniques*
Female
Humans
Mental Status and Dementia Tests
Middle Aged
Muscle Strength
Physical Education and Training*
Postural Balance / physiology

Associated data

ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02506491