The aging process is accompanied by a progressive loss of systems functioning that can lead to balance deficits. The Pilates method has been shown to be effective in improving balance in the elderly, as it promotes improved muscle strengthening in practitioners.

To verify the effects of a 15-week Mat Pilates program on the postural balance of the elderly.

This is a randomized controlled clinical trial that evaluated the postural balance (Mini-BESTest) of 58 elderly people, randomized into two groups called Control Group/CG (n=29) and Pilates Group/GP (n=29), who performed an exercise program based on the Pilates method, consisting of thirty sessions.

There was a significant improvement in the average MiniBEST score in the Pilates Group (25.48 ± 1.90) after the intervention. The t-statistical analysis indicated a significant difference between the Pilates and Control groups after the intervention (t = 4.58) but not before the intervention (t = -0.38), suggesting that Pilates had a positive effect on functionality and balance compared to the control group.

A program composed of thirty sessions of Mat Pilates, spread over 15 weeks, was enough to demonstrate a significant improvement in the balance of the elderly.

This method proved to be safe and effective, with satisfactory results and low financial cost, requiring only the use of a mat for body practice.