The effects of a supervised Pilates training program on balance in Parkinson’s disease

Pilates therapy improves core muscle function and axial stability but its effects on balance in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD) have not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a Pilates exercise program on postural stability and balance confidence in people with IPD. Ten IPD patients (Hoehn & Yahr Stage 1-3) with a history of falls or nearfalls had the following assessments before and after completion of a 6-week supervised Pilates exercise program: Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC); Berg Balance Scale (BBS); Schwab and England Scale (SES); Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS); pull-test; timed-up-and-go (TUG); 5-metre walk; static and dynamic posturography. There were significant improvements in BBS score, 5-metre walk time and TUG after the training program, as well as improvement trends in some posturographic measures. Participants also reported improved balance confidence with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Our findings suggest that Pilates therapy can be beneficial in IPD and warrants further evaluation in a larger study.