Pilates and PNF Methods Induces Similar Strength Gains

PILATES AND PNF METHODS INDUCES SIMILAR STRENGTH GAINS, BUT DIFFERENT NEUROMUSCULAR ADAPTATIONS IN ELDERLY WOMEN

To compare the influence of a training program with Pilates and PNF methods to elderly women on the strength gains and motor control during voluntary contractions

Sixty healthy elderly women were randomly divided into 3 groups: Pilates group (PG), PNF group (PNFG) and Control group (CG). Pilates and PNF groups underwent one-month (three times per week) training program with Pilates and PNF methods, respectively. CG received no intervention along the one month. The maximal isometric force from knee extension and flexion, as well as the EMG signal from quadriceps and biceps femoris were recorded before and after the one-month intervention period. A two-way analysis of variance (3 groups x 2 measures) was used to compare the results from EMG signal, isometric force and force variability and force spectrum. A one-month training program with Pilates and PNF methods induces similar strength gains from knee flexors and extensors, without differences between methods, but PG exhibited greater low gamma drive (i.e., 30-60 Hz band) after the training period. Both Pilates and PNF methods were efficient to improve the muscle strength, but with different neuromuscular adaptations in elderly women. These results give support to the recommendation these methods to older age groups, since the increment of lower limb muscle strength is important for gait, postural stability and performance of daily life activities of this population.

electromyography, aged, muscle strength, wavelet analysis, pilates, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation

The exercise protocol of Pilates method consisted of muscle stretching of the upper limbs, trunk and lower limbs before the exercises. Then, exercises involving range of motion and strength of upper limbs, trunk and lower limbs were performed, always associated with breathing in different positions and with increasing repetitions and resistance along the weeks of training.

The exercises from the PNF method were performed with stretching, associated to hold-relax technique, for upper and lower limbs. Then, subjects carried out exercises with the upper limbs, in a bilaterally symmetrical pattern, and with the lower limbs, in the asymmetric bilateral pattern. Additionally, scapular and pelvic girdle exercises were done with symmetrical and reciprocal combination.

Sixty healthy elderly women were randomly divided into 3 groups: Pilates group (PG), PNF group (PNFG) and Control group (CG). Pilates and PNF groups underwent one-month training program with Pilates and PNF methods, respectively. CG received no intervention along the one month.

Inclusion Criteria: All the subjects were between 60 an 80 years old, sedentary and healthy Exclusion Criteria: Subjects were excluded from the study if they presented any orthopedic, neurological, cardiac, vestibular, visual, or psychiatric impairment which would not allow them to perform all the tasks in the study