Earticle

This study conducts a comparative analysis on the effect that Pilates exercise using small tools has on the muscular strength, muscular endurance and symmetry in the lower limbs of elderly females to verify the effect of Pilates exercise and provide basic set of data on exercise programs needed for the elderly. The subjects were elderly females aged 65 or older who were divided into an experiment group(N=17) and a control group(N=14). The experiment group participated in a program three times a week, 60 minutes per session, for 12 weeks, while the control group were guided not to participate in any physical activities other than daily life activities. To evaluate the muscular strength, musuclar endurance and symmetry in the lower limbs, the equal speed functions of the lower limbs were compared through an ANCOVA to verify whether there is significant difference between the two groups and between before and after. The findings showed that the muscular strength and muscular endurance of the extensor and flexor in the left side lower limb of the experiment group. The values of the left side and the right side changed by equal measure, having a significant effect on the lower limb balance. Therefore, Pilates exercise using small tools were verified to be an effective exercise that strengthens the muscular strength and muscular endurance of the lower limbs in elderly females, as well as symmetry of lower limbs.

This study conducts a comparative analysis on the effect that Pilates exercise using small tools has on the muscular strength, muscular endurance and symmetry in the lower limbs of elderly females to verify the effect of Pilates exercise and provide basic set of data on exercise programs needed for the elderly. The subjects were elderly females aged 65 or older who were divided into an experiment group(N=17) and a control group(N=14). The experiment group participated in a program three times a week, 60 minutes per session, for 12 weeks, while the control group were guided not to participate in any physical activities other than daily life activities. To evaluate the muscular strength, musuclar endurance and symmetry in the lower limbs, the equal speed functions of the lower limbs were compared through an ANCOVA to verify whether there is significant difference between the two groups and between before and after. The findings showed that the muscular strength and muscular endurance of the extensor and flexor in the left side lower limb of the experiment group. The values of the left side and the right side changed by equal measure, having a significant effect on the lower limb balance. Therefore, Pilates exercise using small tools were verified to be an effective exercise that strengthens the muscular strength and muscular endurance of the lower limbs in elderly females, as well as symmetry of lower limbs.