The Effect of Pilates, TRX, and Mixed Exercises on Balance, Executive, and Cognitive Functions among Elderly People

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

4 Ms in motor Behavior, Tehran, Iran

5 Ms in Sports Injury, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Pilates, TRX and mixed exercises on balance, executive and cognitive functions among elderly people.

Methods: The present study was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design. The sample consisted of 60 healthy elderly people aged 65 to 75 years who were selected by availability and randomly assigned to 4 groups of 15 people including Pilates, TRX, combined and control. The groups trained for 8 weeks and two sessions per week. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) was used to assess balance and the Stroop and Tower of London tests were used to assess executive and cognitive functions. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 software at a significance level of P<0.05.

Results: The results of the one-way ANOVA showed that there was a significant difference in the post-test stage between the study groups. The results of the post-hoc Bronfoni test also showed that the Mixed exercise group had a better average performance in balance, and the components of reaction time, strategic planning and problem solving compared to the other groups (P<0.05). Also, the TRX exercise group had a better performance than the Pilates and control groups (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it is suggested that combined TRX and Pilates exercises be used to improve balance, executive and cognitive functions in healthy elderly people.

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