Abstract

Background and objective. Postmenopausal women suffer from clinical symptoms such as vasomotor, psychological, physical, and genitourinary symptoms. 77% of postmenopausal women suffer from muscle and joint problems, loss of muscle strength and flexibility. This study was conducted to see effect of Pilates exercise on postmenopausal symptoms and lumbar flexibility.

Methods. Forty postmenopausal women at least 1 year from their last menstruation aged from 50-59 years there BMI does not exceed 30 kg/m2 were assigned randomly to 2 equal groups: Group A (study group) received calcium 500 mg/day, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) (0.2mg)/day and Pilates exercises (hundred, saw, side kick spine stretch) for 45 minutes/ session, three times per week for 12 weeks. Group B (control group) only received calcium 500 mg/day and cholecalciferol (0.2 mg)/day for 12 weeks. Their menopausal symptoms were assessed through menopausal rating scale (MRS) and lumbar flexibility assessed by (modified Schober test, sit to reach test and fingertip to floor test) before and after treatment period.

Results. There was a significant decrease in MRS post treatment results in the study and control group compared with that of pretreatment ones (p > 0.01). there was a significant decrease in the post treatment results of MRS of Group A (study group) compared with that of Group B (control group). Regarding flexibility There was a significant increase in sit and reach distance, modified Schober test distance and significant decrease in fingertip-to-floor distance post treatment results in the study and control group compared with that pretreatment results (p < 0.001), there was a significant increase in lumbar flexibility of Group A (study group) compared with that of Group B (control group) post-treatment results.

Conclusion. Pilate’s exercise has a positive effect on postmenopausal symptoms and lumbar flexibility.

Key words:

Pilate’s exercise, menopause, postmenopausal symptoms, lumbar flexibility