Pilates increases isokinetic muscular strength of the elbow flexor and extensor muscles of older women: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Introduction: The number of elderly people is growing and the practice of physical exercise, such as Pilates, contributes to increased muscular strength and functional autonomy in this population.

Objective: To verify the influence of Pilates on the isokinetic muscular strength of the elbow flexors and extensors, and on the functionality of the upper limbs, of older women.

Method: Thirty volunteers were randomized into two groups-Pilates group (PG) and Control Group (CG). The PG exercises were performed twice weekly for 12 weeks. Evaluations were performed pre and post-intervention, for isokinetic muscular strength of the elbow flexors and extensors and functionality of the upper limbs.

Results: In the intra-group comparison, the PG improved strength of the elbow extensors and the functionality of the upper limbs (p < 0.05). When comparing the post-intervention moment, the PG was superior to the CG in all variables (p < 0.05), with a large effect size (d > 0.80).

Conclusion: Pilates increases the isokinetic muscular strength of the elbow flexors and extensors, in addition to the functionality of the upper limbs, in older women.