Pilates-based exercises for gait and balance in ambulant children with cerebral palsy: feasibility and clinical outcomes of a randomised controlled trial.

Pilates-based exercises did not change lower limb or trunk kinematics during walking in children with CP and had a clinically insignificant impact on balance. Lower than anticipated adherence prompts consideration of more flexible delivery of future interventions. Implications for RehabilitationAmbulant children with CP can experience impairment of trunk control, negatively impacting balance and gait.In this study, Pilates-based exercise classes did not change kinematics of the trunk or lower limbs during walking and led to negligible improvement in functional balance.Children did not manage to do their Home Exercise Programme, indicating that Pilates-based exercise should be delivered within supervised practice.Children missed on average one in three classes due to unforeseen circumstances, so this should be anticipated when planning group classes.