The effect of pilates and elastic taping applications on balance and postural control in early parkinson's disease

Aim: We aimed to investigate the effects of Pilates and elastic taping applications on balance and postural control in early Parkinson patients. Method: Patients were randomly divided into 3 groups as Pilates training (10 patients), elastic taping (11 patients) and control (10 patients) groups. Pilates training was performed for 6 weeks, twice a week and 60 minutes per session. In the elastic taping group, in addition to the Pilates training, elastic taping was applied to the upper back of patients twice a week for 6 weeks aiming of postural correction. Balance and postural control of patients were examined before and after trainings, 3rd and 6th month. Clinical balance functions were assessed with the Trunk Impairment Scale, the Berg Balance Scale, the Timed up and Go Test, the Activity Specific Balance and Confidence Scale, and Limits of stability Test, the Walk Across Test, the Tandem Walk Test and the Sit-to Stand Test were performed using with Balance Master performance test device. Results: The movement velocity and maximum excursion parameters of Limits of Stability Test, gait speed of the Tandem Walk Test and rising index of the Sit to Stand Test were improved significantly in elastic taping group (p <0.05). The end point parameter of the Limits of Stability Test was improved in the pilates group (p <0.05). Conclusion: We are considering that Pilates exercises and elastic taping could be used as an effective method to improve dynamic balance and postural control in early stage Parkinson's patients. Keywords: Parkinson, Pilates, Taping, Balance, Postural Control