The Effect of Eight Weeks of Core Stability and Pilates Trainings on Ankle Proprioception, Postural Control, Walking Performance, Self-efficacy and Fear of Falling in Elderly Women

Incidence of falling is a common problem in the elderly, which is more likely to occur with increasing age. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of eight weeks of core stability and Pilates trainings on ankle proprioception, postural control, walking performance, self-efficacy and fear of falling in elderly women.

30 elderly women (age 68.13±1.14 years, weight 57.10±7.13 kg, body mass index 163±20.73 kg/m2) were selected purposefully and then randomly divided into three experimental groups of 10 subjects: 1- core stability training, 2- Pilates training, and 3- control group. Groups 1 and 2 performed three sessions of their training protocol per week for 8 weeks; meanwhile, the control group performed their normal daily activities. Before and after the training period, the ankle proprioception, balance, walking performance and fear of falling were respectively measured using goniometer, standing stork and Y-level balance test, the elderly walking performance test, and fall efficacy scale-international-1 (FES) were measured. To analyze the findings, paired sample t-test, one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's post hoc test were used (p≤0.05).

The results of core stability and Pilates training had a significant effect on ankle proprioception, static and dynamic balance, walking performance and significant decrease in fear of falling (P≤0.05). Also, Pilates training compared to core stability training had more effect on ankle proprioception, static and dynamic balance and walking performance and decreased fear of falling (P≤0.05).

It seems that Pilates and core stability trainings can be used in the medical centers as a complementary rehabilitation method in order to improve the ankle proprioception, balance, walking performance and decreasing the fall of elderly women.