The Effects of Pilates Exercise on Balance Control, Muscle Strength and Walking Ability in Patients with Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundStroke induced neuromuscular deficits, especially in core muscle strength, impair balance and gait, whereas Pilates exercises known to improve strength and postural control remain insufficiently studied in neurological stroke populations.ObjectiveEvaluated the effects of a 3-week Pilates program on balance control, muscle strength, and walking ability in patients with chronic stroke.MethodsSingle-blind, randomized controlled trial included 20 participants with chronic stroke who aged 45-65 years. Participants were randomly assigned into the experimental or the control groups receiving standard physical therapy. The experimental group, Pilates exercise program, comprised warm-up, 15 mat-based poses emphasizing controlled breathing and muscle engagement, followed by cool-down stretches and walking training, supervised by a physiotherapist for 60 min per day, 3 days per week, for 3 weeks. Time up and go test (TUGT), five time sit to stand (FTSST), and 10-meter walk test (10MWT) were conducted at baseline and after 3 weeks.ResultsAll participants in the Pilates exercise program were able to perform all exercise positions safely and statistically significant improved in balance, muscular strength, and walking ability compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Particularly, the TUGT showed a mean difference of 2.23 s (P < 0.001). In addition, improving in FTSST and 10MWT with a mean difference of 1.72 s and 0.15 m/s (P < 0.001) respectively.ConclusionsThe integration of Pilates methodologies within stroke rehabilitation protocols may functional ability as a safe, efficacious, and readily available complement to conventional therapeutic approaches, thereby facilitating functional rehabilitation.