Pilates for Parkinson’s: Restoring Control and Stability

By Ziya “Z” Altug, PT, DPT, MS, DipACLM, OCS

According to an article published in the Life journal (Opara et al. 2025), Pilates is a mind-body exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. The method focuses on precise, intentional movements designed to improve strength, flexibility, posture, and coordination.

Types of Pilates

Pilates exercises may be performed on a mat or using specialized equipment such as the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, or Ladder Barrel.

Benefits of Pilates

In general, Pilates has been shown to:

• Improve balance, coordination, and mobility
• Improve posture
• Reduce back pain
• Reduce stress

What Does the Research Say?

Research specific to Pilates indicates potential benefits for:

• Quality of life (Cancela et al. 2018)
• Dynamic balance (Çoban et al. 2021)
• Increased gait speed (de Faria et al. 2023)
• Improving lower limb strength (Moratelli et al. 2025)
• improving cognition, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and happiness (Moratelli et al. 2025)

Getting Started

• Choose a flat, open area for practice.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Keep water handy to stay hydrated.
• Learn from a qualified instructor, preferably in person at first.

Class Selection Tips

How to choose the right program:

• Look for instructors experienced with Parkinson’s.
• Ask about small class sizes for more personal attention.
• Consider programs that integrate mindfulness and meditation for relaxation benefits.

Safety Precautions for Parkinson’s

Before starting Pilates, particularly for individuals with balance concerns, safety is essential:

• Get medical clearance from a healthcare provider before engaging in an exercise program.
• Practice near a stable surface or wall for support.
• Start with short sessions to avoid fatigue.
• Use supports and chairs for mat classes, if needed.

Helpful Resources

• Pilates Method Alliance https://www.pilatesmethodalliance.org/

• Balanced Body https://www.pilates.com/

• Practitioners interested in developing interventions for Parkinson’s may consider the following article:

Osborne JA, Botkin R, Colon-Semenza C, et al. Physical therapist management of Parkinson disease: a clinical practice guideline from the American Physical Therapy Association. Phys Ther. 2022;102(4):pzab302. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34963139/

Final Thoughts

Pilates offers a structured and adaptable form of exercise that can support both physical function and mental well-being for individuals with Parkinson’s. Its emphasis on posture, controlled movement, and breathing may help improve confidence with daily activities while addressing both motor and non-motor symptoms.

References

• Cancela JM, Mollinedo Cardalda I, Ayán C, de Oliveira IM. Feasibility and efficacy of mat pilates on people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's Disease: A preliminary study. Rejuvenation Res. 2018;21(2):109-116. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28712331/

• Çoban F, Belgen Kaygısız B, Selcuk F. Effect of clinical Pilates training on balance and postural control in patients with Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial. J Comp Eff Res. 2021;10(18):1373-1383. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34726472/

• de Faria J, Sousa LR, Dorásio ACP, et al. Multicomponent and mat Pilates training increased gait speed in individuals with Parkinson's disease when walking and carrying a load: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Physiother Res Int. 2023;28(4):e2031. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37395268/

• Moratelli JA, Corrêa CL, Andrade A, Lyra VB, Guimarães ACA. Functional training and Mat Pilates have a positive effect on non-motor symptoms improving cognition, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and happiness in people with Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial with follow-up. Aging Ment Health. 2025;29(10):1892-1901. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40289666/

• Moratelli JA, Corrêa CL, Sonza A, Guimarães ACA. Functional training and mat Pilates are effective in improving cardiorespiratory capacity and strength in people with Parkinson's disease: A randomized clinical trial with follow-up. J Strength Cond Res. 2025;39(9):e1119-e1128.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40570285/

• Opara JA, Szczygieł JW, Mehlich K, Szczygieł K. The effects of Pilates in Parkinson's Disease-A Narrative Review. Life (Basel). 2025;15(7):1035. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40724537/

• Written by Ziya “Z” Altug, PT, DPT, MS, DipACLM, OCS