DO PILATES AND YOGA AFFECT QUALITY OF LIFE AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE OF ELDERLY LIVING IN A NURSING HOME A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Introduction: This study investigated whether Pilates and yoga affect quality of life and physical performance of elderly living in a nursing home. Materials and Methods: Out of 58 elderly living in a nursing home, 36 subjects were randomized to Pilates or yoga groups and 22 subjects served as a control group. Study subjects attended three classes per week for 8 weeks. Health-related quality of life and physical fitness were assessed before, immediately after and 6 months after training. Results: Nottingham Health Profile total scores were significantly different among all groups (p=0.007). Sleep (p=0.026) and emotional reaction subscores (p=0.037) decreased in both intervention groups. Hand grip strength (p=0.017) and sit and reach test scores (p=0.019) were improved immediately after yoga. However, none of these effects persisted after 6 months. Conclusion: Yoga improved sleep quality, strength and flexibility in seniors living in a nursing home only immediately after training, in this preliminary study with a small sample size. No improvements were observed in the investigated parameters 6 months later.