Influence of the Pilates Method on Pain, Muscle Strength and Functional Capacity in the Elderly

Abstract

Chronic pain and muscle weakness are prevalent complications in aging and can result in functional disability. Previous studies suggest benefits of the Pilates Method for these problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of physiotherapeutic intervention using the Pilates Method on pain, muscle strength and functional capacity in the elderly. A non-randomized clinical trial (or quasi-experimental) was conducted with nine elderly people (five men and four women, with a mean age of 66.56 ± 5.87). The individuals were evaluated for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics through physiotherapeutic anamnesis, in addition to measurements of pain intensity using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), handgrip strength (HGS) using manual dynamometry and functional capacity using through the "timed up and go" (TUG) test. Physiotherapy sessions took place twice a week, for five weeks, lasting approximately 50 minutes each, totaling 10 sessions. Were performed 16 Pilates exercises in mat Pilates (solo Pilates) and with equipment (Reformer, Ladder Barrel, Chair and Cadillac). After the intervention, there was a significant reduction in pain intensity (VAS) and time to perform the TUG, in addition to a significant increase in HGS on the right hand (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in HGS on the left hand (p>0.05). In short, the physiotherapeutic intervention protocol using the Pilates Method was effective in reducing pain, increasing muscle strength and improving functional capacity in the elderly.

Keywords: Exercise movement techniques, Chronic pain, Physical functional performance, Hand strength, Aged

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Author Biographies

Arthur Luiz Faresin Bentlin,

https://lattes.cnpq.br/4137820520871819

Arthur Burgel Ehrhardt,

https://lattes.cnpq.br/9677642973855899

Guilherme Moreira de Matos,

https://lattes.cnpq.br/2320966024055837

Lia Mara Wibelinger,

https://lattes.cnpq.br/5316498913581625

Matheus Santos Gomes Jorge,

https://lattes.cnpq.br/7824636993465468

Published
2026-05-01
How to Cite
Bentlin, A. L. F., Ehrhardt, A. B., Matos, G. M. de, Wibelinger, L. M., & Jorge, M. S. G. (2026). Influence of the Pilates Method on Pain, Muscle Strength and Functional Capacity in the Elderly. Lecturas: Educación Física Y Deportes, 31(336), 183-196. https://doi.org/10.46642/efd.v31i336.7926
Section
Research Articles