Effect of pilates exercise on physical functions for school-aged children with developmental disability

Objective: To verify the effect of pilates exercises in children with developmental disability with mild functional impairment. Method: Eleven children with developmental disability were enrolled in this study. The children with developmental disability performed pilates exercises, 40 minute 2 sessions per each week for 8 weeks. We evaluated gross motor function, Trunk Control and Five times sit to stand after 8 weeks. Results: As a result of Pilates exercise for 8 weeks, there was a significant difference in GMFM-E dimension(p<.05). there was a significant difference in the dynamic sitting balance area of trunk control evaluation(p<.05) and five times sit to stand(p<.05). Conclusion: As a result of this study, individualized Pilates exercise for children with developmental disabilities has a positive effect on physical functions including trunk stability and lower extremity muscle strength.