Symmetric unipedal balance in quiet stance and dynamic tasks in older individuals.

Previous evidence of increased difference of muscular strength between the dominant and non-dominant legs in older adults suggests the possibility of dissimilar balance control between the legs (between-leg asymmetry) associated with aging. In the current investigation, we evaluated between-leg asymmetries in older adults when performing quiet and dynamic balance tasks. Fifty-two physically active and healthy older adults within the age range of 60 to 80 years were recruited. Participants performed balance tasks in unipedal stance, including quiet standing and cyclic sway (rhythmic oscillation) of the non-supporting leg in the anteroposterior or mediolateral directions, producing foot displacements with amplitudes of 20 cm paced in 1 Hz through a metronome. Body balance was evaluated through trunk accelerometry, by using the sensors embedded into a smartphone fixed at the height of the 10th-12th thoracic spines. Analysis revealed lack of significant differences in balance control between the legs either when comparing the right versus left or the preferred versus non-preferred legs, regardless of whether they were performing quiet stance or dynamic tasks. Further examination of the data showed high between-leg correlation coefficients (rs range: 0.71-0.84) across all tasks. Then, our results indicated symmetric and associated between-leg balance control in the examined older adults.

Effects of Pilates in children and adolescents - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pilates can be performed by children as a form of exercise to promote healthy growth and development. The increasing use of Pilates as a type of exercise for children or as an adjunct tool in pediatric rehabilitation should be supported by evidence of its benefits. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effects of Pilates as an exercise prescription for children and adolescents. METHODS: Five electronic databases were searched to identify trials (randomized controlled clinical trials or quasi-experimental studies) with a population of children or adolescents in which Pilates (mat or equipment) was performed as a form of exercise. Studies that investigated outcomes related to health and physical performance was analyzed. Individual trial effects were extracted and pooled for meta-analysis whenever possible. To evaluate the external and internal validity of the studies, we assessed their risk of bias. RESULTS: Fifteen studies (from 945 records), including 1235 participants, met the eligibility criteria, and were included. The reported outcomes were heterogeneous, so only the effect on flexibility could be included in the meta-analysis (n = 4 studies). A significant positive trend toward improved flexibility for the control group compared with the Pilates group was found (Std. mean difference, 0.54; 95%CI: 0,18, 0.91; p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Few studies have assessed the effect of Pilates on children and adolescents. The lack of appropriate methodological descriptions/controls made it impossible to determine if all of the included studies were of good quality.