Efeitos do pilates solo nas alterações posturais em pessoas idosas: ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract

Introduction: The number of older adults has increased exponentially in Brazil, coinciding with a decrease in the younger population. The aging process leads to numerous changes in the body, especially in the musculoskeletal system, often resulting in postural deviations. Objective: To investigate the effects of Pilates Mat exercises on postural angles and alignment alterations in elderly individuals. Methods: This was a randomized controlled clinical trial including older adults of both sexes, aged over 60, residing in Manaus, Brazil, and enrolled in the “Programa do Idoso Feliz – Participa Sempre” (PIFPS). Participants were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Postural Assessment Software (SAPO), and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Data were analyzed using R Studio (version 2025), with descriptive statistics and frequency measures. For normally distributed variables, the Student’s t-test was applied (p ≤ 0.05). Results: The intervention group showed statistically significant improvements in several postural parameters, including head forward posture (reduced to values close to the clinical cutoff), scapular symmetry, anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) alignment, pelvic retroversion angles, and rearfoot/leg alignment, especially on the left side. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in musculoskeletal pain complaints, particularly in the cervical, thoracic, and hip regions, as indicated by the Nordic Questionnaire. Conclusion: Pilates Mat exercises proved to be effective in improving postural alignment and reducing musculoskeletal symptoms in older adults, supporting their use as a complementary therapeutic approach in elderly health care. Further studies with more diverse samples, longitudinal follow-up, and functional variables are recommended to deepen understanding of its long-term effects.