Pilates Plus Whole-Body Vibration in Postmenopausal Women

This controlled, quasi-experimental clinical trial investigated the effects of a combined Pilates and whole-body vibration (WBV) intervention on bone mineral density (BMD), muscle strength, postural balance, and quality of life in postmenopausal women. Fifteen women aged 50-71 years initially served as a historical control group in a previous study. After completion of that protocol, ten of these participants underwent a 26-week combined intervention consisting of supervised Pilates exercises and WBV performed three times per week. BMD was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Peak torque of the lower limbs was measured by isokinetic dynamometry. Postural balance was evaluated using a force platform, and quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Outcomes obtained after the combined intervention were compared with those from the historical control phase.