The effect Mat Pilates practice on muscle mass in elderly women

Abstract

Objective: to verify that the Mat Pilates practice increases muscle mass in elderly women. Methods: quasiexperimental study with primary data collection and with a convenience sample. The muscle mass of 43 elderly was evaluated for 11 weeks, by calculating the arm muscle area, before and after the intervention. Results: statistically significant difference was observed (p<0.002) between the average value of the arm muscle area, before (35.56cm2 ) and after the exercises (42.72cm2 ). Conclusion: mat Pilates program generates positive effect on increasing the muscle mass of elderly.