The effects of clinical pilates exercises on bone mineral density, physical performance and quality of life of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate effects of Clinical Pilates Exercises on bone mineral density (BMD), physical performance and quality of life (QOL) in postmenopausal osteoporosis. METHODS: Forty-one women were recruited to the study. The subjects were divided into two groups, as the Pilates group and the control group. Subjects were evaluated for BMD at the lumbar region. Physical performance level was measured. Pain intensity level was scored with Visual Analogue Scale. QUALEFFO-41 was used for assessing QOL. RESULTS: BMD values increased in the Pilates group (p < 0.05), while BMD decreased in the control group (p < 0.05). Physical performance test results showed significant increases in the Pilates group (p < 0.05) whereas there was no changes in the control group (p > 0.05). Pain intensity level in the Pilates group was significantly decreased after the exercise (p < 0.05), while it was unchanged in the control group. There were significant increases in all parameters of QOL in the Pilates group. Conversely, some parameters of QOL showed decreases in the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pilates Exercises is effective to increase BMD; QOL and walking distance and also beneficial to relieve pain. Physiotherapist can use Pilates Exercises for the subjects with osteoporosis in the clinics.