The Effect of Eight Weeks of Aquatic Pilates Exercises on Motor Performance and Fear of Falling in Elderly Women
Keywords:
Aquatic Pilates, Motor Performance, Fear of Movement, Elderly Women, Non-specific Chronic Low Back PainAbstract
Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a common condition among elderly women, affecting not only motor function but also cognitive and psychosocial performance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of selected aquatic Pilates exercises on motor and psychosocial performance in elderly women with NSCLBP. The research was conducted as a clinical trial using a pre-test/post-test design with a control group. From 58 initial volunteers, 28 eligible participants aged 60–70 were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (14 each). The experimental group performed aquatic Pilates exercises—focused on core strengthening, flexibility, and balance—three times per week for eight weeks (60 minutes per session) in the pool of the Faculty of Physical Education, Kerman. Motor performance was assessed using the TUG and Tinetti tests, while psychosocial aspects were evaluated using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results indicated significant improvement in motor performance over time in both groups, with no statistically significant difference between them. However, TSK scores revealed a significant interaction between time and group, suggesting that the intervention had a distinct effect on reducing fear of movement in the experimental group. These findings support the potential of aquatic Pilates as an effective intervention for improving motor and psychosocial outcomes in elderly women with NSCLBP.
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