Effects of a 10-week Pilates-Based Exercise Program on Trunk Control, Balance, and Gross Motor Skills on a Young Girl with Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report

ABSTRACT Background Children with cerebral palsy (CP) can have deficits in postural control and overall movement that impact their performance in daily activities. Pilates consists of stretching, strengthening, and coordination exercises. A few studies have demonstrated the benefits of Pilates on postural control deficits in children with CP over the age of seven. Pilates offers a safe and fun activity for children. Case Report The purpose of the case study was to implement a modified Pilates exercise (MPE) program with a child with CP and investigate its effects on her trunk control, balance, and gross motor (GM) skills. The subject of the case report was a 6-year-old student with a diagnosis of diplegic CP with moderate impairments. She completed a 10-week MPE 30-minute program focused on core strengthening with an emphasis on upper and lower extremity motions. The Trunk Control Measurement Scale, Pediatric Balance Scale, and GMFM-88 were outcome measures. Results showed a 32.7% improvement in trunk control, a 2-point increase in balance, and a 6.25% total improvement in GM skills. Conclusion This case report demonstrates a positive response to the MPE intervention in a 6-year-old child with CP, with improvements in trunk control, balance, and gross motor skills. Although cause and effect cannot be established based on a case report, the interventions contributed to improved trunk and balance control. Further studies are warranted to determine whether the intervention effectively treats young children with CP and moderate impairments.