Parkinson disease: functional modifications and potential application of Pilates method

Parkinson disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that compromises the dopamine neurons from substantia nigra, leading to a decreasing of dopamine in the corpus striatum, making modulation of movement difficult. It is clinically characterized by the following signs: tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability. There are also secondary compromises, of cognitive, affective and autonomic order. This pathology affects elderly people, mainly. The intention of this study is to present the functional changes in Parkinson disease and the current knowledge about Pilates method, in order to show the benefits for bearers of Parkinson disease. Currently, there is phew research in literature focusing this theme, but there's a tendency of showing that Pilates method is beneficiai for patients with Parkinson disease, due to the fact that it reduces the symptoms like bradykinesia, gait and balance disorder, being recognized as one more efficient therapeutic method when treating individuals with Parkinson disease. Researches are necessary, though, with the purpose of substantiating and proving the benefits of Pilates method in Parkinson disease.