Effects of core-lower limb coordinated Pilates on gait and balance in women with flexible pes planus: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
Hyun Ju Kim, Il Bong Park, Chae Kwan Lee
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In 30 seconds
This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated an 8-week core–lower limb coordinated Pilates programme in 22 women with bilateral flexible pes planus, defined by navicular drop of at least 10 mm. Compared with a control group, the Pilates group showed significant improvements in step time (p = .014), stride time (p = .045), and cadence (p = .033), alongside improvements in postural balance measures, particularly mediolateral center-of-pressure root mean square (p = .003). The findings suggest potential benefits for gait and balance, but the small pilot study does not establish the size or durability of these effects.
Key findings
- Compared with control, Pilates was associated with improved step time (p = .014), stride time (p = .045), and cadence (p = .033).
- Postural balance measures improved in the Pilates group, with the strongest reported result for mediolateral center-of-pressure RMS (p = .003).
Why it matters
Flexible pes planus may be accompanied by gait and balance differences. This trial provides preliminary randomized evidence that a coordinated Pilates programme can improve measured gait parameters and postural balance in women with this condition. These outcomes are relevant to functional assessment, although the abstract does not report effect sizes or establish whether the measured changes translate into meaningful everyday benefits.
What to keep in mind
This was a small pilot trial involving 22 women, and outcomes were assessed only at baseline and after the 8-week intervention; longer-term effects are not reported.