Effect of Resistance Training and Pilates on the Quality of Life of Elderly Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract Objective The objective of the study was to compare the effects of resistance training (RT) and Pilates on the quality of life (QOL) of elderly women. An experimental design study was carried out with a 12-week intervention. Methods Elderly women (≥60 years) who did not practice any type of physical exercise regularly for at least 3 months were evaluated. The study included 41 elderly women who were randomly divided into three groups: 1- Pilates group (PG), 2- Resistance training group (RTG) and 3- Control group (CG). To assess QOL, the WHOQOL-OLD, WHOQOL-BREF and SF-36 questionnaires were used. The Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney Test was used to analyze the evolution of intragroup variables and the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post hoc for intergroup analyzes. To compare the sample characterization variables between the groups, the chi-square test was used. Results There was an improvement in the Social Participation domain for the PG (p=0.016). In the RTG, a significant difference was found for the Mental Health domain (p=0,019). In the CG, there was an improvement in the Social Participation domain (p=0.044) and Total WHOQOL-OLD Score (p=0.044). In the intergroup comparisons, there was a difference in the WHOQOL-BREF Total Score of the PG and RTG, with the PG presenting a better QOL at the beginning of the study (p=0.039). The Vitality (p=0,010) and Mental Health (p=0,024) of the RTG improved in relation to the PG. Conclusion The groups analyzed improved their QOL after the intervention period.