Effect of short-term Pilates exercises on bone mineral density and physical performance in older women

Objective: Although high-stress exercises on the bone have been emphasized in previous research on BMD, high intensity exercises may increase the risk of injury in inexperienced older women. Also, these exercises are not recommended due to risk of injury or other problems in fragile older adults. Due to the fact that it is one of the most preferred methods by postmenopausal women, our study focused on the effects of the Pilates method on bone mineral density. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of short-term Pilates exercise on bone mineral density and physical performance in older women. Methods: Twenty-three older women were voluntarily involved in this research (Pilates group, n=13, and control group, n=10). The Pilates group participated in Pilates exercise for 12 weeks, two days per week. Bone mineral density and physical performance were evaluated. The prospective case-control, pre- and post-test study was conducted at the Çanakkale University Hospital. All measurements were repeated following three-months. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare groups, and the Wilcoxon test was used to assess differences between pre- and post-exercise measurements for each group. Results: After three-months, there was an increase in physical performance scores in the Pilates group (p=0.013). Although there was an improvement in bone mineral density of older women in the Pilates group, it was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: It is possible to say that "short-term Pilates exercise does not produce a resistance training effect on bone mineral density of postmenopausal women". However, Pilates is effective for improving physical performance in older women.