The Pilates method on the functional capacity and quality of life of the elderly, a look at practical application: a bibliographic review
Keywords:
Pilates, Functional capacity, Quality of lifeAbstract
Through a literature review this study analyzes the effects of the Pilates method on functional capacity (FC) and quality of life (QL) in elderly. The methodology adopted for this review included searches in the Virtual Health Library, using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The initial search yielded 111 studies, and after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, six studies were selected for full analysis. The main findings indicate that the most studied population was female, the most commonly used method was mat Pilates, and the typical intervention duration was 12 weeks. Most control groups did not perform any physical exercises. Among the instruments used to assess QL and FC outcomes, the WHOQOL-OLD and GDLAM were the most prominent, respectively. The results suggest that Pilates is a promising strategy for improving QoL and FC in the elderly population, contributing to a higher quality of active aging. However, the scientific literature still lacks studies that investigate these outcomes interdependently in elderly Pilates practitioners. Therefore, more clinical studies with strong methodological design are needed to enhance the positive effects of this practice and to move beyond considering Pilates as merely a potentially beneficial method. Such evidence would help establish its effectiveness through evidence-based practice.
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