Introduction: The percentage of older adults in rising worldwide. They often experience balance issues, which means the ability to effectively maintain balance in a static or dynamic environment. According to studies, core strength is vital for carrying out everyday activities for older adults. Core muscles (transversus abdominis, multifidus, diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles) contribute to spinal stability and help improving balance in older adults. One of the exercises that strengthen the core is Pilates, which was invented by Joseph Hubertus Pilates from Germany. Studies indicate that Pilates improves balance, muscular strength, mobility and coordination in older adults. Purpose: The purpose of the diploma thesis was to examine the research results on the effect of Pilates exercise on balance in older adults. Methods: A systematic overview of literature was accomplished. The scientific research articles were found in the Web of Science, PEDro and MEDLINE database. The following keywords in English were used for searching literature: Pilates, elderly. Additionally, the list of references for the article by Granacher et al. (2013) was examined. Results: The systematic overview of the literature includes seven articles. The articles discussed the effect of Pilates exercise for improving balance in older adults. They established the clinically important improvement of static and dynamic balance. The dynamic balance improved more than the static. Discussion and conclusion: The accomplished literature overview concludes the adequacy of Pilates exercise for improving balance in older adults. When older adults perform Pilates exercise, their static and dynamic balance improves. Future research could be conducted to determine the optimal duration of the Pilates exercise, which improves balance, and the duration of the effect that exercise has on balance. It is also necessary to examine which tests are most optimal to evaluate balance in Pilates exercise and establish the optimum Pilates programme to improve balance best. More male subjects should also be included in the research.
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