Author and graduation date: Luke AGUILAR, July, 1998

Committee members: Denise L. Wiksten (Chair), Patricia Patterson, Patricia Dintrone

Thesis title: The Effects of Pilates Based Training and Moderate Resistance Plus Flexibility Training in Muscular Strength and Flexibility in the Elderly

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of traditional resistance training to functional training on measures of functional strength and balance in middle-aged adults. Twenty-six healthy men and women between the ages of 55 and 70 were randomly divided into three groups. Two exercise groups, traditional and experimental, participated in eleven weeks of strength training while the third group remained inactive. Balance was measured pre and post intervention using the tandem stance, one leg stance, and the S walk. The shelf task and handgrip dynamometers measured strength, and function was assessed using a ramp walk, get up and go, and an assembled series of tasks referred to as the functional rodeo. There were significant changes from pre to post testing for the shelf task (F2,17 = 11.37, p = 0.01), one leg stance with eyes closed (F2,17 = 4.48, p = 0.05), the ramp walk (F2,17 = 9.08, p = 0.01), and the rodeo score (F2,17 = 11.74, p = 0.01). However, these same variables revealed no significant differences between groups or for interaction. Additionally, there was an interaction in the S curve (F2,17 = 3,93, p = 0.04). Although there was no statistical significance found in any other measure, there were improvements in function and strength that may have clinical value in this population.

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