International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology · Sep 16, 2026
The Effect of Mat Pilates vs Mat Pilates with a Resistance Band on Muscle Strength and Flexibility in Postmenopausal Women
By Borage PV, Sagar JH, Kurale V et al.
Background: Menopause is linked with a reduction in estrogen levels, which results in decreased muscle strength, flexibility, and overall functional ability in women.These changes can adversely influence daily activities and quality of life in postmenopausal women.Exercise interventions, especially Pilates, have been shown to enhance musculoskeletal health.This study aimed to compare the effects of Mat Pilates and Mat Pilates combined with a resistance band (TheraBand) on muscle strength and flexibility in postmenopausal women.A randomized comparative study was carried out on 62 postmenopausal women aged between 50-65 years, who were divided into two groups: Group A performed Mat Pilates exercises, while Group B performed Mat Pilates with TheraBand exercises.Aims of the study: Effect of mat Pilates VS mat Pilates with TheraBand on increasing muscle strength and flexibility in postmenopausal women.Procedure: Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional ethical committee.A total of 62 participants meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected and were randomly divided into two groups.Group A (32 participants) received mat Pilates and Group B (32 participants) received mat Pilates with TheraBand exercises for 4 weeks.Outcome measures: Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) for assessing muscle strength, Sit and Reach Test for hamstring flexibility, and Scratch Test for upper limb flexibility.Result: This suggests that adding resistance using TheraBand increases the effectiveness of Pilates exercises.Effect of Group A assessed using MMT, sit and reach test, and scratch test and group B assessed using MMT, sit and reach test, and scratch test.Comparison between both the group was done using MMT, sit and reach test, and scratch test.The results indicated statistically significant improvement within both groups for all outcome measures.However, Group B (MAT Pilates with TheraBand) showed greater improvement than Group A (mat Pilates).Conclusion: Both Mat Pilates and Mat Pilates with TheraBand are effective in improving muscle strength and flexibility in postmenopausal women, the addition of resistance bands offers superior benefits.Therefore, incorporating resistance training with Pilates may be more effective in enhancing functional fitness and quality of life in this population.Keyword's: postmenopausal women with age 45 to 65, mat Pilates, mat Pilates with TheraBand, muscle strength, flexibility, MMT, sit and reach test, scratch test.