ORIGINAL ARTICLE  PSYCHOLOGY 

The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 2021 January;61(1):131-9

DOI: 10.23736/S0022-4707.20.10730-8

Copyright © 2020 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

The effect of Pilates exercise on the happiness and depression of elderly women: a clinical trial study

Ali RAVARI ¹, Tayebeh MIRZAEI ¹ ✉, Rooholah BAHREMAND ², Mohadeseh RAEISI ³, Zahra KAMIAB ⁴

¹ Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Geriatric Care Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; ² School of Nursing and Midwifery, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; ³ Geriatric Care Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; ⁴ Unit of Clinical Research Development, Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Ali-Ibn Abi-Talib Hospital, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran

BACKGROUND: The available approaches for reducing mental problems, particularly for elderlies, include physical activities and exercise. Pilates is a sport that has received much attention during the past few years. The present study was conducted to explore the influence of Pilates on depression and happiness levels of elderly women.
METHODS: This randomized trial work was conducted on 60 elderly women referred to the health center of Rafsanjan city, southern Iran. The participants were randomly assigned into two intervention (Pilates) and control groups, each with 30 members. In the intervention group, participants did Pilates three sessions each week for 8 weeks. The control group did not receive any intervention similar to the intervention group. The happiness level of the participants was measured using the Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI) and their depression was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) before, one month after, and two months after the intervention. A mixed ANOVA was applied for data analysis.
RESULTS: The majority of the participants were married housewives with primary education and age range of above 62 years. Based on the findings of this study, the mean happiness and depression scores of the participants at the end of months one and two in the intervention groups increased significantly compared to those of the control group.
CONCLUSIONS: Doing Pilates for 8 weeks may positively affect the depression and happiness levels of the elderly. Thus, it is recommended as a healthy exercise for elderlies.

KEY WORDS: Happiness; Exercise; Depression; Aged