In October 2018 researchers from the USA published the results of their study to assess the effects of Pilates Reformer exercises on fall risk, balance and mobility in older adults who were at risk of falling. A total of 55 individuals (38 females, 17 males; average age 78 years) were involved in the study. The individuals were divided into two groups, with 27 undertaking Pilates Reformer exercises and 28 acting as a control group. The individuals in the Pilates group attended a Pilates Reformer exercise programme in a group format once a week over a 10-week period. Each individual underwent assessment and received a score for timed up-and-go, straight leg raise, hip extension and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, balance (perceived and actual) and 10 metre walk test. Results showed that, over time, those individuals in the Pilates group improved their scores significantly for all assessments made, ie timed up-and-go, straight leg raise, hip extension, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, balance (perceived and actual) and 10 metre walk test, whereas those individuals in the control group showed no improvement. It was noted that Pilates resulted in a significantly improved range of movements for hip extension, left straight leg raising, and right ankle dorsiflexion.
Roller M et al. Pilates Reformer exercises for fall risk reduction in older adults: A randomized controlled trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2018 Oct;22(4):983-998.