Effect of the Pilates method on flexibility, quality of life and pain of the elderly

• Grant number: 11/10270-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2011
• End date: November 30, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Tavella Navega
• Grantee: Beatriz Mendes Tozim
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciências (FFC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Marília. Marília , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the influence of the Pilates Method in flexibility, quality of life, and level of pain in the elderly. Methods and Procedures:30 elderly will be divided into two groups, the Pilates Group with 15 volunteers (GP, n = 15) and 15 of the control group (CG, n = 15). The GP will hold 16 sessions of Pilates exercises with one hour each, for 8 weeks and the GC will participate in the 4lectures. The GP and GC attend an initial assessment and specific tests of pain (visual analog scale), flexibility (the sit and reach test and the popliteal angle), and quality of life (SF-36), after eight weeks groups will be reassessed. Expected Results: Improved flexibility, quality of life, and pain in elderly practitioners of the Pilates.(AU)