Abstract

Introduction: Parkinson's disease is associated with many problems, including decreased balance. This study was conducted to effects of TaiChi and Pilates on the balances of elderly Parkinson's men. Method: This study was carried out using field method and pre-test/post-test design in two training and one control groups. The statistical population were 106 men with Parkinson's disease. 45 subjects (aged 64.72 ± 7.29 years) were sampled through convenience and purposive method, and divided into two groups of TaiChi and Pilates training with one control group. Data were collected using a balance, stopwatch, balance testing device, Berg balance scale (BBS), Kurtzke expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and physical activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q). All groups were subjected to static and dynamic balance tests. The exercise groups trained three one-hour sessions weekly for 12 weeks. The data were analyzed using SPSS-21 softwar. Findings: The results showed that both TaiChi and Pilates exercises improved the balance of subjects with Parkinson's disease (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences between the effects of TaiChi and Pilates exercises on the dynamic balance of the Parkinson’s men (p = 0.980). The two exercises, however, differently influenced the static balance (p = 0.001), with higher effects of Pilates training. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, due to the greater impact of Pilates exercises, this new method can be used to improve balance and increase the quality of life of the Parkinson's men.