Mat Pilates Training Programme Improves Postural Balance in Older Male Adults With Mild Intellectual Disability.

BACKGROUND

Older adults with intellectual disability often experience impaired postural balance due to the combined effects of intellectual disability-related deficits and age-related motor, sensory and cognitive limitations. Evidence on Pilates in this population remains limited. This randomised controlled trial investigated the effects of a Pilates programme on postural balance, muscle strength and reaction time in older male adults with mild intellectual disability.

METHODS

Twenty male older adults with mild intellectual disability were randomly assigned to Pilates training group (PTG; mean age: 50.00 ± 2.71 years) or control group (CG; mean age: 49.40 ± 2.12 years). Static postural balance (centre of pressure mean velocity, CoPVm), quadriceps maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and simple reaction time (SRT) were assessed pre- and post-8-week mat Pilates training programme consisting of 60-min sessions performed twice per week.

RESULTS

PTG showed a significant reduction in CoPVm values (p < 0.001) and SRT (p < 0.01) with a significant increase in MVC (p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed in CG.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight Pilates as an effective intervention to improve postural balance, muscle strength and reaction time in older male adults with mild intellectual disability.