Comparing effect of tai chi and Pilates exercises on static and dynamic balance of elderly men with Parkinson's disease

Introduction: Parkinson's is a prevalent disease at old age that is associated with numerous nonmotor and motor consequences such as reduced balance. This study aims to compare effect of Pilates and tai chi exercises on static and dynamic balance in the elderly men with Parkinson's disease. Method: This study was a field quasi-experimental research with preand post-test which was conducted in two training and control groups. The statistical population included 106 elderly men with Parkinson's disease. For sampling, 45 subjects were selected using purposive and convenience sampling method and divided into two groups of tai chi and Pilates exercises plus one control group. Data were collected using weighing scale, stopwatch, balance tester, Berg balance scale (BBS) questionnaire, Kurtzke expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and physical activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q). All three groups took the static and dynamic balance tests and the training groups performed the trainings for 12 weeks, every week for 3 sessions and (The data were analyzed in SPSS software ver. 21. Each session 1 hour). Results: Results showed that both tai chi and Pilates exercises improved the balance of the elderly men with Parkinson's disease (P= 0.001). In the tai chi training group, the static balance increased from 10.64 to 15.16 and the dynamic balance error decreased from 6.89 to 5.5. In the Pilates group, the static balance increased from 10.93 to 23.13 and the dynamic balance error decreased from 7.39 to 5.16. Further, there was no significant difference between the effect of tai chi and Pilates exercises on the dynamic balance of the elderly men with Parkinson's disease (p = 0.980). But a difference was found in terms of the static balance (p = 0.001), so that the effect of Pilates exercises was higher. Conclusion: Both of the traditional tai chi and Pilates exercises have positive effects on the balance improvement. However, considering the greater effect of Pilates exercises, it is recommended to use this new practice for improving the balance and, ultimately, quality of life of the elderly men with Parkinson's disease.