Development of Pilates-based Exercise Program for Dynamic Balancing of Adult Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Abstract Background The proposed study investigates the therapeutic effects of the developed Pilates core stabilization program for the improvement of gait and body balance in adults with cerebral palsy. Methods Four disabled adults with cerebral palsy have been classified into stages II, III, and IV, Gross Motor Function Classification. The program consists of strengthening exercise, Gross Motor Function measure-88, Function Reach Test, and Timed up and go Test. Results The body stabilization exercise through Pilates sufficiently confirmed the improvement of gait ability of adults with cerebral palsy. The Function Reach Test results the risk of falling was also reduced as they were able to keep their balance while the maximum arm stretching distance was increasing up to 7-19.5 cm. In addition, 6 to 50 m/sec of gait speed was increased in Timed up and go Test. Conclusion The developed Pilates core stabilization program reveals that the quickness, agility, and dynamic balance have increased significantly, and the functional movement of disabled adults with cerebral palsy have been improved through the Pilates Body Stabilization Exercise. Thus, it can be confirmed that the proposed method is effective as an intervention method for the improvement of balance and gait ability.