EFFECTS OF PILATES EXERCISES POSTURE IN PATIENTS WITH HAM / TSP HTLV-1 ASSOCIATED

Abstract

Background: The HTLV-1 is a retrovirus that infects the immune system and can cause tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM / TSP), neurological disease which generates significant biomechanical changes and have consequently postural bouts. Specific exercises as proposed by Pilates can strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and postural disorders which can better the functionality of these patients. Objective: To investigate the effect of Pilates exercise on postural changes in patients with HAM / TSP. Methods: Randomized clinical trial in patients with HAM / TSP in an HTLV Reference Center in Salvador. Postural evaluation was performed with digital photographs applying the protocol SAPO version 0.67 before and after the intervention. The exercise of a Pilates program were conducted for three consecutive months in groups of four participants each. Data were analyzed using SPSS 14.0, with a significance of 5%. Results: The study  included 14 subjects selected for inclusion in the test group 7 and 7 in the control group. The age ranged from 33 to 55 years and most were female (64.3%). The angles / postural alignment with larger deviations were horizontal alignment of the ASIS, the trunk vertical alignment, horizontal alignment of the head, left Q angle, hip angle, knee angle and ankle angle. Conclusion: Pilates Exercises promoted positive effects in relation to postural alignment in these individuals, suggesting that this alternative intervention can contribute to the improvement of a major cause of mechanical pain in these patients.