Effects of Modified Pilates Training on Hemodynamic Responses

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neurodevelopmental disorder that starts in the early stages of life, causes activity limitation, and consists of movement and posture deficiencies. Children with CP usually have difficulties in mobility, transfer and social participation due to many motor and sensory disorders such as muscle weakness, decreased postural control, balance, spasticity. Core stability maintains posture and provides support for extremity movements by connecting with the deep abdominal muscles, spine, pelvis and shoulder girdle muscles. During reaching, walking and sudden perturbations in the body, the Transversus Abdominus (TrAb) muscle is activated primarily than other trunk and extremity muscles, creating a core stability. Core activity includes not only spinal stability and power generation, but also many upper and lower extremity movements. By focusing on the TrAb muscle with Pilates, the stabilization of the trunk muscles can be increased by creating control thanks to the core stabilization training. In addition, the TrAb muscle works together with the diaphragm muscle, which is the main respiratory muscle. The expected increased respiratory capacity with training may also affect hemodynamic responses.