Comparison of the effects of two selected exercises of Theraband and Pilates on the balance and strength of lower limb in elderly women

Poor balance is one of the risk factors of falling، injury and even death of elderly. Since disorders in neuromuscular performance and imbalance are the main cause of falling among the elderly، its rehabilitation and balance are the main concern of the researchers. The present study was performed with aim to compare the effects of two selected exercises of Theraband and Pilates on the balance and strength of lower limb in elderly women. This semi-experimental (interventional) study was performed with pre-test and post-test on 45 women aged 60-75 years old in Mashhad in 2014. They were randomly divided into three groups: the Theraband training، Pilates training، and control groups. The experimental groups participated for six weeks in Theraband and Pilates trainings. The control group did their daily activities during the project. Before and after the six weeks of training، Berg test (dynamic balance) and thirty Second Chair Stand test (strength of lower limb) were given. Data were analyzed by covariance analysis (ANCOVA)، Analysis of variance (ANOVA)، Bonferroni post hoc test and Mean Difference. P˂0. 05 was considered significant. Pilates and Theraband trainings led to a significant improvement in the dynamic balance and strength of lower limb in elderly women. Furthermore، Theraband trainings was more affective on the dynamic balance and Pilates trainings on the strength of lower limb. both Pilates and Theraband trainings lead to the increase of the dynamic balance and strength of lower limb in elderly women، but، Pilates training was more effective on strength of lower limb and Theraband training was more effective on dynamic balance.