Women with adult incontinence may benefit from taking classes in mat pilates, an expert has claimed.

Many forms of pilates require special equipment, such as a reformer, but people who choose to do mat pilates only need an exercise mat.

Kerry Westcott, a pilates instructor in Gladstone, Australia, told the local Gladstone Observer that the low-impact form of exercise can be beneficial in a number of ways, providing improved core strength, lengthened and toned muscles and reduced levels of stress.

She revealed: "It's brilliant for post-natal women who have had their pelvic floor muscles stretched and bladder control and incontinence."

Ms Westcott also claimed that mat pilates is enjoyable and ideal for people of all ages.

"There are no age restrictions - I have taught a seven-year-old and 80-year-olds can do it too," she revealed.

The discipline could provide a useful form of exercise for the 13 per cent of women in the UK who are thought to have some degree of urinary incontinence.

Regular sessions of pilates could reduce their reliance on products such as Tena Lady, as well as giving them greater confidence and boosting their quality of life.