Abstract

Background: Balance issues in Stroke subjects are one of the major concerns during rehabilitation. Interventions to improve balance and functional outcome are integral part of therapy. Movement based therapy such as Pilates can be of help in these subjects.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of Pilates training on functional balance and quality of life in sub-acute Stroke subjects.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at Neurological Physiotherapy Out Patient Department. A total of 23 ambulatory Sub-acute Stroke subjects were randomly assigned into two groups; Pilates Group (n=12: Pilates along with Conventional therapy) and Control Group (n=11: Conventional therapy). Participants in Pilates group were treated for 8 weeks with a series of 45 minute Pilates sessions thrice weekly along with conventional therapy and Control group received only conventional therapy. Functional reach test, Timed up and go test, Dynamic gait index and Stroke specific quality of life scale were recorded at baseline and after 8 weeks of training.

Results: There was significant improvement (p

Key words: Pilates, Functional balance, Quality of life, Sub-acute Stroke