Effect of Pilates exercise on balance in adults with cerebral palsy

Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) experience a progressive decline in balance, which leads to reduced mobility and quality of life. Despite the importance of health management, few studies have examined exercise interventions in adults with CP. Although Pilates exercises have been shown to improve balance in neurological populations, their effects on adults with CP remain unclear. This feasibility study investigated the effects of Pilates on balance in adults with CP.

This feasibility study employed a non-randomized controlled design with a pre-post comparison. Seventeen adults with CP voluntarily chose either the Pilates group (PG; n = 10, mean age 51.4 ± 3.40 years) or the control group (CG; n = 7, mean age 51.57 ± 3.82 years). The PG completed a 12-week Pilates intervention (90-min sessions, twice weekly, 24 sessions), whereas the CG maintained their usual activities without intervention.

Balance was assessed using the center of pressure displacement with eyes open (CoP_EO), and eyes closed (CoP_EC), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG). The PG showed significant improvements compared with the CG in CoP_EO (p = 0.025), CoP_EC (p = 0.013), BBS (p = 0.002), and TUG (p = 0.006).

These findings suggest that Pilates may be a feasible intervention for improving balance in adults with CP.