Effects of Pilates-based Therapeutic Exercises on the Postural Control

Effects of Pilates-based Therapeutic Exercises on the Postural Control

The Pilates Method (PM) has been widely used in the daily practice of many professionals. It is well known that anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) have a strong relation with the improvement in performance through motor control improvement. However, no studies have investigate the PM exercises performed with pelvis in different positions on the improvement of performance, APAs and these influences on motor control. This study aims to compare the effects of practicing a single session of Pilates-based therapeutic exercises with posterior pelvic tilt and neutral position of the pelvis on the APAs of elderly subjects.

Inclusion Criteria:

• no history of previous abdominal or spine surgery in the last two years
• no history of low back pain in the past 2 years (as incapacitate pain lasting at least seven days)
• no neurological disorder diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria:

• significant postural asymmetry (misalignment that exceed 2 cm of the anterior superior iliac spine)