Bertoli J, et al. – This study contemplated the impact of Mat Pilates on isokinetic torque of the lower limbs, in elderly women. The inference drawn was that the periodization of Mat Pilates led to notable improvements in multiple isokinetic torque parameters.

Methods

• The recruitment consisted of 14 elderly women (Age 62 ± 3 yr).
• The enrollees participated in 12 weeks of Mat Pilates training (60-min sessions, 3 times per week).
• Repetitions increased every 4 weeks and the difficulty of exercises progressed from beginner to intermediate and advanced.
• Peak torque was examined prior to (week -4 and week 0 considered as a control period) and after 6 and 12 weeks of a periodized Mat Pilates intervention.

Results

• Marked improvements (p < 0.05) were disclosed in concentric and eccentric peak torque of knee flexors muscles, hip flexor and extensor muscle after 12 weeks.
• Mechanical work illustrated considerable improvement (p < 0.05) for knee extensor muscles during eccentric contractions after week 12, for hip extensor muscles during concentric contractions week 12, and for flexor muscles during concentric and eccentric contractions after week 12.