Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effects of the Pilates Method on functionality and quality of life (QOL) in individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind, controlled pilot study. The initial sample consisted of 20 individuals with PD, of both sexes, with an average age of 64.5 + 7.2 years, subdivided into: Pilates Group (GP), submitted to a protocol based on the Pilates method, and Group Control (CG) submitted to a kinesiotherapy protocol, both worked the same muscle groups and performed two weekly sessions, lasting 45 minutes, totaling 10 sessions. The instruments used were the Unified Parkinson's Disease Scale (UPDRS), Quality of Life Questionnaire PDQ-39, and the Hoehn & Yahr Scale (HY - Degree of Disability Scale). Results: Only 12 participants completed the protocol, GP = 7 and GC = 5. Intragroup differences were observed in the general clinical aspects of PD (UPDRST) of the GP (p = 0.046), without significantly interfering with functionality (UPDRSII and UPDRSIII) and QOL. Conclusion: The Pilates Method, compared to kinesiotherapy, had better effects on the general clinical aspects of PD, but did not influence functionality and QOL in the analyzed participants.