Pilates improves physical performance and decreases risk of falls in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in older adults. Physical exercise is a suitable strategy to reduce the risk of falls, but there is little research on the effectiveness of specific exercise modalities.

Objective: To estimate the effectiveness of Pilates compared to habitual or non-exercise on physical performance and the risk of falls in older adults.

Methods: Five databases were searched through April 15, 2021. Methods: Randomized controlled trial in people aged ≥60 years.

Results: balance, strength, flexibility, functionality, and risk of falls. Results: Pooled standardized mean differences were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses based on Pilates' modality, the existence of a detailed exercise protocol, supervision by a certified instructor, and overall risk of bias were performed. Results: Thirty-nine studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analyses. The meta-analyses indicated a moderate effect of Pilates on balance (ES=0.36; 95% CI=0.21 to 0.50), strength (ES=0.63; 95% CI=0.44 to 0.81), flexibility (ES=0.41; 95% CI=0.16 to 0.67), and functionality (ES=0.51; 95% CI=0.32 to 0.72) as well as a large effect on the risk of falls (ES=0.90; 95% CI=0.41 to 1.38) in older adults when compared with control groups. The level of certainty of the findings was low for balance, flexibility, and functionality and moderate for strength and falls.

Conclusions: Pilates may promote the autonomy of older people in their daily living activities. Systematic Review Registration Number PROSPERO CRD42018116452.