Effect of Pilates Exercises on Abdominal Muscle Strength in Post Menopausal Women

Abstract Background: Menopause is the time that marks end of woman's menstrual cycle, occurring on average around 51 years of age. It associated with decline in estrogen level which lead to increase central obesity as well as decrease muscle strength and endurance. Pilate exercises belong to a group of so-called body mind exercises which improve mental and physical status, increasing muscle strength and flexibility. Aim of Study: This study aimed to see the impact of Pilates exercise on abdominal muscle strength in post-menopausal women. Subjects and Methods: Thirty post-menopausal women complaining from belly abdomen were selected randomly from out-patient clinic of faculty of physical therapy to participate in this, their age ranged from 50-60 years, their BMI not exceed 35Kg/m2, all of them had number of parities ranged from 2-4 times, their menstrual cycle had stopped at least one year ago. Subjects were subdivided randomly into two groups each with fifteen participants, group A practiced selected exercise program that include (static abdominal, pelvic rocking and postural correction exercises) for 20min/session twice per week for 12 weeks and group B performed the same program as for group A plus Pilates exercises for another 60min. Outcome to be studied in this research was abdominal muscle strength (peak torque, total work and average power) using Isokinetic dynamometer. Results: There was a significant increase in peak torque, total work and average power in abdominal muscles in group B who perform Pilates exercise rather than group A (p>0.001) Conclusion: Pilates exercise is an effective modality to increase abdominal muscle strength in post-menopausal women