The effects of Pilates exercise training on static and dynamic balance in chronic stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of Pilates exercise on static and dynamic balance in chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Nineteen individuals with unilateral chronic hemiparetic stroke (age, 64.7 ± 6.9 years; height, 161.7 ± 7.9 cm; weight, 67.0 ± 11.1 kg) were randomly allocated to either a Pilates exercise group (PG, n=10) or a control group (CG, n=9). The PG attended 24 exercise sessions conducted over an 8-week period (3 sessions/week). Center of pressure (COP) sway and COP velocity were measured one week before and after the exercise program and compared to assess training effects. [Results] Pilates exercise positively affected both static and dynamic balance in patients with chronic stroke. For static balance, COP sway and velocity in the medial-lateral (M-L) and anterior-posterior (A-P) directions were significantly decreased in the PG after training while no significant differences were found in the CG. For dynamic balance, measured during treadmill walking, the PG showed significantly reduced COP sway and velocity in the M-L and A-P directions for both the paretic and non-paretic leg. [Conclusions] The findings provide initial evidence that Pilates exercise can enhance static and dynamic balance in patients with chronic stroke.

Benefits of Static Stretching, Pliates® and Elastic Bands Resistance Training on Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Longitudinal Study

“…This demonstrates the greater body and postural control acquired by participants after training. Lim et al [31] studied the effect of a Pilates protocol on nineteen individuals affected by unilateral chronic hemi-paretic strokes, and they highlighted significant improvements in both static and dynamic body balance. However, among the MS patients involved in this study, this technique was useful in improving performance in the Sit and Reach and the Sit to Stand test after 16 weeks of training, with no effects on body balance, confirming the greater utility of other training methods to this end, such as core stability [14].…”

Added Effect of Pilates Mat Exercises on Balance and Limits of Stability in Chronic Stroke Patients: A Pilot Study

“…tion disorders, visual field defects, and cognitive impairment are the symptoms of CVA [2,3]. Balance impairment can be a direct effect of CVA as well as strength deficits post CVA.…”

“…Literature has shown evidence that training the core muscles has shown improvements in functional capabilities as well. Researchers studying core training in stroke patients gave interventions such as core stabilization exercises with real time feedback, Tai Chi Chuan, Pilates, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), plank exercises [6,11,3,13,12], of which Pilates became a target of interest as a useful exercise. With conventional treatment for stroke, core muscle training is not the point of focus.…”

“…It is a safe technique in which exercises are performed over a stable surface-the mat. Pilates exercises were developed by Joseph H. Pilates (1880-1967) as an exercise method to relax and strengthen the body [3].This technique aims to improve flexibility [14], core stability and balance by strengthening the core muscles of the body-Diaphragm, Transversus Abdominis (Tr.A), Multifidus, Pelvic floor [3].Presently there is availability of studies which show the effect of Pilates exercise on balance in normal, elderly individuals [15], individuals with multiple sclerosis [16,17] and Parkinson's disease [18], however, the effects of same in stroke patients is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 6 week of Pilates training on balance ability and LOS in chronic stroke patients.…”

“…after extensive rehabilitation, up to 50% of stroke survivors experience lingering motor deficits and balance problems [3,4].This balance impairment is the cause of high risk of falls in this population. It is reported that stroke patients are at high risk of falls with 1.3-6.5 falls/ person/year occurring and highest rates, 8.7falls/person/year, occurring after discharge from hospitals.…”