Influence of a protocol of Pilates exercises on the contractility of the pelvic floor muscles of non-institutionalized elderly persons

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the influence of a protocol of Pilates exercises on the functionality and contractility of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) of older women living in the city of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Method: Ten women (median age of 63.4±4.5 years) with little or no pelvic floor dysfunction were subjected to 24 sessions of Pilates exercises lasting one hour each, for 12 weeks. The pressure of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) was assessed using a perineometer (cmH 2 0) and contractility was assessed with the PERFECT scheme. Data were described as median ± interquartile range and inferential analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon paired test, with a significance level of 5%. Results: In view of the proposed treatment, the degree of voluntary contraction of the PFM of the participants increased from 79.0±83.5 to 90.0±82.0 cmH 2 0, with a statistically significant difference in paired comparison ( p=0.012). According to the PERFECT scheme, there was an increase in contraction time (from 5.0±0.1 to 7.0±4.7 seconds) and in the number of fast repetitions (from 7.0±4.5 to 8.0±4.7), with a statistically significant difference for both variables ( p=0.017 and p=0.008, respectively). Conclusion: The results indicate that the Pilates method increased the contractility and pressure of the PFM of elderly women with little or no PFM impairment. Further studies are required to determine whether the Pilates method is an effective method for the treatment of women with severe pelvic floor dysfunction.

Intervenção pelo método Pilates no solo:influência sobre o desempenho motor, funcional e cognitivo de idosos

“…Pode remeter-se a melhora apresentada pelos idosos nos testes de capacidade funcional, a questão que o Método Pilates é utilizado para promover o reequilíbrio muscular, por meio de exercícios que enfatizam o chamado power house, ou centro do corpo 18 . Este centro diz respeito à região de grupos específicos de músculos (anteriores abdominais, extensores da coluna, extensores do quadril, flexores do quadril e musculatura do assoalho da pelve) 19 . Alguns destes são recrutados em movimentos básicos como caminhar, levantar da posição de decúbito e até mesmo vestir e tirar uma camiseta.…”

The Effects of the Pilates Method on Pelvic Floor Injuries during Pregnancy and Childbirth: A Quasi-Experimental Study

“…Given the marked increase in practicing Pilates during pregnancy, various studies have been carried out to evaluate its effectiveness [ 14 , 16 , 20 ]. With regard to the specific relation of Pilates with PFD, two studies found a positive impact on the PF musculature during pregnancy [ 21 , 22 ], while another study concluded that the method was a valid means of helping to prevent the dysfunction [ 23 ].…”

Efeito do Método Pilates sobre a Função Sexual, a Força da Musculatura do Assoalho Pélvico e a Qualidade de Vida em Mulheres Sobreviventes do Câncer de Mama

“…Force center muscles, also called "powerhouse", refer to the region of specific muscle groups: abdominal muscles, spine extensors, hip extensors, hip flexors, and pelvic floor muscles (PFM) 11 . The recruitment of the "powerhouse" muscles, if well executed, can produce a significant increase in the strength of these muscles 12,13 .…”