A influência do método Pilates na instabilidade postural e qualidade de vida do paciente com doença de Parkinsoninfluence of Pilates method on the postural instability of elderly

Objective: To evaluate the influence of Pilates method on the postural instability and the balance of one elderly patient with Parkinson’s disease. Methods: Case study in which the volunteer performed specific exercises for muscle strengthening during 24 sessions of Pilates that took place twice a week. The Tinetti test was used to assess balance and gait, the Timed Up and Go test was used in order to assess gait speed, and the PDQ-39 assessed quality of life. Results: We observed improvement in quality of life by 76% according to the PDQ-39, improvement in gait speed by 21,46% when using the Timed Up and Go, while balance and gait were improved by 35% when the Tinetti Test was conducted. Conclusion: Pilates method training improved the quality of life, gait pattern and balance of the individual studied. That suggests Pilates is an appropriate methodology for elderly patients with Parkinson’s disease.