Effect of a Mat Pilates Program with TheraBand on Dynamic Balance in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: Feasibility Study and Randomized Controlled Trial.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a physical exercise program based on Mat Pilates (MP) with TheraBand® on the dynamic balance of a sample population diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD). After random selection, 26 participants were allocated to a MP group or a control group where they performed calisthenics exercises. Both interventions lasted 12 weeks and involved 2 weekly sessions of 60 minutes. Assessments took place at baseline, 12 weeks after the intervention started and 4 weeks after the intervention was completed using the body mass index (BMI), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test with Wiva® sensors, the 30 Second Chair Stand test, and the Five Times Sit to Stand test. The group that completed the MP program presented significant improvements in BMI (F1,21  = 3.986; p = 0.038), the 30 Second Chair Stand test (F1,21  = 6.716; p = 0.014), the Five Times Sit to Stand test (F1,21  = 5.213; p = 0.032), and the time required to complete the TUG dynamic balance test (F1,21  = 5.035; p = 0.035). The MP program performed by a sample population with PD led to improvements in dynamic balance, and participants in the MP group showed increased strength in the lower limbs, but such improvements were not permanent after the activity ceased.