Researches
Pilates
Pilates is a type of mind-body exercise developed in the early 20th century by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates, after whom it was named. Pilates called his method "Contrology". It is practiced worldwide.
A systematic review of Pilates in 2012 examined its literature to form a consensus description of it. It could be described as "a mind-body exercise that requires core stability, strength, and flexibility, and attention to muscle control, posture, and breathing".
In his book Return to Life through Contrology, Joseph Pilates presented his method as the art of controlled movements. If practiced consistently, Pilates improves flexibility, builds strength, and develops control and endurance in the entire body. It puts emphasis on alignment, breathing, developing a strong core, and improving coordination and balance. The core, consisting of the muscles of the abdomen, low back, and hips, is often called the "powerhouse" and is thought to be the key to a person's stability. Pilates' system allows for exercises to be modified in difficulty, from beginner to advanced or any other level, and to accommodate the instructor's and practitioner's goals and/or limitations. Their intensity can be increased as the body adapts itself to the exercises.
A study by Senmezer et al. (2021) researched the effects of clinical pilates exercises on functional disability, pain, quality of life, and lumbopelvic stabilization in forty pregnant women with low back pain. They found that Pain and disability were significantly improved in the Pilates exercise group after intervention. There were also significant improvements in sleep, physical mobility and lumbopelvic stabilization after Pilates exercises.
Hayden et. Al. ( 2021) studied the effectiveness of different types of exercise in people with chronic low back pain. This review found evidence that Pilates, McKenzie therapy and functional restoration were more effective than other types of exercise treatment for reducing pain intensity and functional limitations. Nevertheless, people with chronic low back pain should be encouraged to perform the exercise that they enjoy promoting adherence.
Cruz-Diaz et.al. (2018) studied the effectiveness of 12 weeks of Pilates intervention on disability, pain and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic low back pain. The results showed significant differences between groups with observed improvement in Pilates intervention group in all variables after treatment. Major changes on disability and kinesiophobia were observed at six weeks of intervention with no significant difference after 12 weeks. Pain showed better results at six weeks with a slightly but statistically significant improvement at 12 weeks with Visual Analogue Scale scores ( Pain scale).
A study on 2020 researched the Efficacy of neck stabilization and Pilates exercises on pain, sleep disturbance and kinesiophobia in forty five patients with non-specific chronic neck pain. They were randomly assigned into 3 different groups: Neck stabilization exercise, Pilates exercise and Neck dynamic isometric exercise. Findings from this study revealed an improvement in all outcome parameters (pain intensity, quality of sleep, neck disability and kinesiophobia) in the three groups post-intervention. However, there was statistically significant difference between neck stabilization and Pilates exercises on pain intensity.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists work within a wide variety of health settings to improve a broad range of physical problems associated with different 'systems' of the body. In particular they treat neuromuscular (brain and nervous system), musculoskeletal (soft tissues, joints and bones), cardiovascular and respiratory systems (heart and lungs and associated physiology). The physiotherapists should also be able to assess the patients and identify serious pathologies.
Some of the main approaches used by physiotherapists include:
- Education and advice: physiotherapists can give general advice about things that can affect your daily lives, such as posture and correct lifting or carrying techniques to help prevent injuries.
- Exercises: Movement, tailored exercise, and physical activity improve general health, mobility and the strength
- Manual therapy: where the physiotherapist uses their hands to help relieve pain and stiffness, and to encourage better movement of the body.
The review article by Beckerman et al. (1993) aimed to summarize the evidence on the efficacy of physiotherapy for musculoskeletal disorders. They found that physiotherapy interventions were effective in treating a variety of musculoskeletal disorders, including low back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and soft tissue injuries. The review also highlighted some of the key elements of effective physiotherapy interventions. These included:
- Individualized treatment: Physiotherapy interventions that are tailored to the specific needs of the patient are more effective than standardized treatments.
- Active participation: Patients who actively participate in their own treatment, such as through exercise programs, have better outcomes than those who receive passive treatments.
- Multimodal approach: Physiotherapy interventions that combine multiple treatment modalities, such as manual therapy, exercise, and education, are more effective than single-modality interventions.
- Long-term follow-up: Patients who receive long-term follow-up and ongoing management of their condition have better outcomes than those who receive short-term treatment.
This review highlights the important role of physiotherapy in the management of musculoskeletal disorders. Physiotherapy interventions that are tailored to the specific needs of the patient, promote active participation, and combine multiple treatment modalities can be effective in improving outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
The study by Castleden et al. (1984) aimed to investigate the effect of physiotherapy on stress incontinence in women. Stress incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising. The study included 40 women aged 48 to 80 years with stress incontinence. The participants were randomly assigned to either a physiotherapy group or a control group. The physiotherapy group received pelvic floor muscle exercises, bladder retraining, and advice on lifestyle modifications. The control group received no treatment. After six weeks, the physiotherapy group showed a significant improvement in symptoms compared to the control group. The physiotherapy group had a reduction in the number of incontinent episodes per day, improved bladder control, and a decrease in pad usage. The study concluded that physiotherapy is an effective treatment for stress incontinence in women. Pelvic floor muscle exercises, bladder retraining, and lifestyle modifications can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life for women with stress incontinence.
The study by Malmros et al. (1998) aimed to investigate the effects of physiotherapy on chronic pain and performance in patients with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a decrease in bone density and an increased risk of fractures. The study included 68 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who were randomly assigned to either a physiotherapy group or a control group. The physiotherapy group received a three-month exercise program that focused on weight-bearing exercises, resistance training, balance exercises, and activities of daily living. The control group received no treatment. After three months, the physiotherapy group showed significant improvements in pain, physical performance, and balance compared to the control group. The physiotherapy group had a reduction in pain and an increase in physical performance, as measured by the time taken to perform certain activities of daily living, such as walking up and down stairs. The physiotherapy group also had an improvement in balance, as measured by a decrease in the number of falls and an increase in the time taken to stand on one leg. The study concluded that physiotherapy could have positive effects on chronic pain and physical performance in patients with osteoporosis. Exercise programs that focus on weight-bearing exercises, resistance training, balance exercises, and activities of daily living can improve pain, physical performance, and balance in patients with osteoporosis.
Overall, today the combination of Physical therapy (to improve mobility & flexibility) and Rehabilitation Pilates (for improvement stabilization & control & coordination) is today the gold standard for the effective conservative and certainly postoperative treatment problems of musculoskeletal disorders.
Exercises in Seniors
Exercise has been shown to have numerous benefits for older patients, including improving physical function, reducing the risk of falls, and improving overall health and well-being. Here are some of the key benefits of exercise for older patients:
- Improving physical function: Regular exercise can help older patients maintain or improve their physical function, such as their ability to walk, climb stairs, and perform activities of daily living. Exercise can also help improve strength, flexibility, and balance, which can help reduce the risk of falls.
- Reducing the risk of falls: Falls are a common problem among older adults and can lead to serious injuries. Regular exercise, particularly balance and strength training, can help reduce the risk of falls and improve confidence in walking and other activities
- Improving cardiovascular health: Exercise can help improve cardiovascular health in older patients by reducing blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and increasing circulation.
- Managing chronic conditions: Exercise can help manage a variety of chronic conditions that are common in older patients, such as arthritis, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Exercise can help reduce pain and stiffness associated with these conditions, improve mobility, and help maintain bone density.
- Improving mental health: Exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on mood and mental health in older patients, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety and improving overall quality of life.
It's important to note that older patients should consult with their healthcare provider before starting an exercise program, particularly if they have any underlying health conditions or mobility limitations. A physical therapist or exercise specialist can help develop a safe and effective exercise program that is tailored to the individual needs and abilities of older patients.
REFERENCES
- Wells C, Kolt GS, Bialocerkowski A (August 2012). “Defining Pilates exercise: a systematic review”. Complement Ther Med.
- Jones, Daniel (2011). Roach, Peter; Setter, Jane; Esling, John (eds.). Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary (18th ed.). Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-15255-6.
- Wells, John C. (2008). Longman Pronunciation Dictionary (3rd ed.). Longman. ISBN 978-1-4058-8118-0.
- Jump up to:a b Pilates, Joseph (1998) [1945]. Pilates’ Return to Life through Contrology. Incline Village: Presentation Dynamics. pp. 12–14. ISBN 978-0-9614937-9-0.
- Mayo Clinic Staff (2012). ”Pilates for Beginners: Explore the Core of Pilates”. Mayo Clinic. Archived from the original on 2012-09-18. Retrieved 2012-11-04.
- Houglum, Peggy (2016). Therapeutic Exercise for Musculoskeletal Injuries (4th ed.). Human Kinetics. pp. 297–299. ISBN 9781450468831.
- Hayden JA, Ellis J, Ogilvie R, Stewart SA, Bagg MK, Stanojevic S, Yamato TP, Saragiotto BT. Some types of exercise are more effective than others in people with chronic low back pain: a network meta-analysis. J Physiother. 2021 Oct;67(4):252-262. doi: 10.1016/j.jphys.2021.09.004. Epub 2021 Sep 16. PMID: 34538747.
- Sonmezer E, Özköslü MA, Yosmaoğlu HB. The effects of clinical pilates exercises on functional disability, pain, quality of life and lumbopelvic stabilization in pregnant women with low back pain: A randomized controlled study. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2021;34(1):69-76. doi: 10.3233/BMR-191810. PMID: 32986655.
- Cruz-Díaz D, Romeu M, Velasco-González C, Martínez-Amat A, Hita-Contreras F. The effectiveness of 12 weeks of Pilates intervention on disability, pain and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2018 Sep;32(9):1249-1257. doi: 10.1177/0269215518768393. Epub 2018 Apr 13. PMID: 29651872.
- Akodu AK, Nwanne CA, Fapojuwo OA. Efficacy of neck stabilization and Pilates exercises on pain, sleep disturbance and kinesiophobia in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Apr;26:411-419. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.09.008. Epub 2020 Oct 3. PMID: 33992276.
- Castleden C.M, Duffin H.M, Mitchell E.P, 1984: The effect of physiotherapy on stress incontinence, Age and Ageing, Volume 13, Issue 4, July 1984, Pages 235–237, https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/13.4.235
- Malmros, B., Mortensen, L., Jensen, M. et al. Positive Effects of Physiotherapy on Chronic Pain and Performance in Osteoporosis . Osteoporos Int 8, 215–221 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s001980050057
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- Chittrakul J, Siviroj P, Sungkarat S, Sapbamrer R. Multi-System Physical Exercise Intervention for Fall Prevention and Quality of Life in Pre-Frail Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Apr 29;17(9):3102. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17093102. PMID: 32365613; PMCID: PMC7246743.
- Beckerman H.,Bouter L.M.,Van Der Heijden G.J.,De Bie R.A.,Koes B.W,1993:Efficacy of physiotherapy for musculoskeletal disorders: what can we learn from research?:British Journal of General Practice 1993; 43 (367): 73-77.