Intervention by the mat pilates:influence on motor, functional and cognitive performance of elderly

Abstract

Introduction: There are still few studies that evaluate the effectiveness of the Mat Pilates, mainly in the elderly people. Objective: To evaluate the influence of an intervention program with the Mat Pilates, in the motor, functional, and cognitive performance of the elderly. Patients and Methods: We carried out a quasi-experimental study involving 10 elderly patients. In the pre- and post-intervention program, we used the index test, the Mental State Mini Exam (MEEM), the Functional Autonomy Assessment Protocol of the Latin American Development Group (GDLAM), and the test manual gripping force. The elderly participated for three months, twice a week, in an exercise program of the Mat Pilates. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, considering significance when p < 0.05. Results: The evaluated elderly had significant improvements (p < 0.05) in the 10-meter walking tests, seat-lift and home-test, and T-shirt dressing test, which are part of the GDLAM protocol. Conclusion: The Mat Pilates had a positive impact on the functional capacity of the elderly.