Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of Pilates exercise in older people to
decrease falls risk and inform a larger trial. DESIGN: Pilot Randomized
controlled trial. SETTING: Community physiotherapy clinic. PARTICIPANTS: A total
of 53 community-dwelling people aged 60 years (mean age, 69.3 years; age range,
61-84). INTERVENTIONS: A 60-minute Pilates class incorporating best practice
guidelines for exercise to prevent falls, performed twice weekly for 12 weeks.
All participants received a letter to their general practitioner with falls risk
information, fall and fracture prevention education and home exercises. MAIN
OUTCOME MEASURES: Indicators of feasibility included: acceptability (recruitment,
retention, intervention adherence and participant experience survey); safety
(adverse events); and potential effectiveness (fall, fall injury and injurious
fall rates; standing balance; lower limb strength; and flexibility) measured at
12 and 24 weeks. RESULTS: Recruitment was achievable but control group drop-outs
were high (23%). Of the 20 participants who completed the intervention, 19 (95%)
attended 75% of the classes and reported classes were enjoyable and would
recommend them to others. The rate of fall injuries at 24 weeks was 42% lower and
injurious fall rates 64% lower in the Pilates group, however, was not
statistically significant (P = 0.347 and P = 0.136). Standing balance, lower-limb
strength and flexibility improved in the Pilates group relative to the control
group (P < 0.05). Estimates suggest a future definitive study would require 804
participants to detect a difference in fall injury rates. CONCLUSION: A
definitive randomized controlled trial analysing the effect of Pilates in older
people would be feasible and is warranted given the acceptability and potential
positive effects of Pilates on fall injuries and fall risk factors. TRIAL
REGISTRATION: The protocol for this study is registered with the Australian and
New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN1262000224820).
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2015.

Langue : ANGLAIS