EVALUATION OF QUALITY OF LIFE IN ELDERLY WHO PRACTICE THE PILATES METHOD

Abstract

Introduction: Aging is the period characterized by the decline in functional capacity and quality of life of the elderly. The Pilates method is a technique that can provide several benefits, such as strengthening, flexibility, improved balance and well-being, thus contributing to the quality of life of the elderly. Objective: Evaluate the quality of life of elderly people engaged and non-engaged in Pilates method. Methods: The research was carried out with 30 elderly people divided into two groups of 15 people each: Control group with sedentary people (GC) and Pilates group (GP). The SF-36 instrument was used to determine the quality of life of the elderly. A questionnaire to evaluate sociodemographic aspects was applied. The data were analyzed by Epidata Analysis using a 5% level of significance (p<0.05). Results: The results showed a predominance of the female gender, composed of retirees with high schooling level and income above three minimum wages in both groups. Significant differences were observed among GC and GP for the domains: functional limitation, emotional aspect, general health, vitality, social aspects and mental Morgana Amanda Vequi Fisioterapeuta, Especialista em Método Pilates e Ortopedia, Traumatologia e Desportiva; Mestre em Saúde Coletiva pela Fundação Universidade Regional de Blumenau/SC, Doutoranda em Saúde Coletiva pela Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina e Professora do curso de Graduação em Fisioterapia da UNIAVAN (Centro Universitário Avantis), Santa Catarina. E-mail: morganaa_vequii@hotmail.com.is beneficial to the elderly, enabling an improvement in the quality of life due to its integration with the physical, mental and spiritual aspects.