Abstract
Objective: To verify the effect of Pilates exercises in a child with cerebral palsy (CP) with mild
functional impairment. Methods: We evaluated average peak torque of ankle and knee
extensors/flexors using a Biodex System, using concentric active-assisted test. We also
evaluated amplitude of anterior–posterior and of medial–lateral displacement of the CoP and area
of oscillation during quite standing with a BERTEC platform. We applied Pilates exercises for
eight weeks. Results: Peak torque/body weight of ankle and knee extensors/flexors of both
affected and unaffected limbs increased after Pilates. Also, all kinetic variables decreased after
Pilates’ intervention. After one-month follow-up, isokinetic variable values were higher while
kinetic variable values were lower than baseline values. Conclusion: Pilates may be an important
rehabilitation technique for children with CP that present mild deficits in motor structures and high
functional level, especially when the aims are to improve muscle strength and postural control
during quite standing.
