roghayeh etaati

Aging is associated with physical and cognitive changes that can affect people's quality of life and independence. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of combined progressive cognitive and Pilates exercises on structural and functional constrains in active elderly women.

The current research is semi-experimental and practical in terms of its purpose. The participants in this research were 50 active elderly people, with an age range of 60 to 80 years, who were selected as available, after completing the consent form, they were randomly assigned to two experimental groups, and Controls were divided. The experimental group did Pilates and cognitive exercises for 12 sessions, three days a week, while the control group did not participate in this exercise period. Data were evaluated using one-way analysis of covariance.

The results showed that there were significant differences between the two groups in the agility factor (p=0.001) from structural constraints, as well as in motivation to participate in physical activity (p=0.001) from functional constraints. However, no significant differences were observed between the groups in the balance factor (p>0.01) from structural constraints and in mental reinforcement (p>0.01) from functional constraints.

Combined Pilates and cognitive exercises can help improve agility (structural constrains) and increase motivation for physical activities (functional constrains) in the elderly. This type of exercise is suggested as an effective way to improve the physical and mental health of the elderly and improve their quality of life.