Article Authors: Elizabeth A. Hornsby & Leanne M. Johnstone. Volume 40, October 2024, Pages 30-41
This recent study highlights how Pilates:
- can improve physical function in children with generalized joint hypermobility and chronic musculoskeletal pain
- improves joint stability, strength, flexibility, and pain relief in this population
- is a valuable rehabilitation tool
- encourages instructors to adapt exercises to meet the unique needs of clients, particularly those with complex conditions
As a Pilates teacher and Exercise Physiologist, I’m always on the lookout for research that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and the real world, especially when it involves conditions that we often don’t think about when we’re busy teaching “the Hundred” for the hundredth time. Enter this fascinating study, which looks at the impact of a Pilates intervention on children with generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) and chronic musculoskeletal pain. You may not often encounter this specific demographic in your average Pilates class (or maybe you do), but this article is worth a read—not just for its insights, but also because it gives you the opportunity to think about how you might tweak your own classes.
The Pilates Prescription: Study Design and Methodology
The researchers opted for a single-case experimental design, a deep dive into three children’s journey with Pilates. They closely monitored a small group of children with GJH, helping them through Pilates exercises specifically designed to improve core strength, stability, and flexibility.
It’s a small sample size, but the approach is thoughtful. The design focuses on individual responses, which is something we, as instructors, take to heart. What works for one student may not work for another, and this study is a great reminder of how important it is to tailor exercises to the individual—especially when you’re working with something as unique as hypermobility or chronic pain.
The Results: A Happy Tale of Strength and Flexibility
The study found that the children showed notable improvements in physical function -increased joint stability, enhanced muscle strength and flexibility, and a reduction in pain. Pilates, with its gentle approach, made a measurable difference in how these kids moved and felt.
The Benefits for Pilates Instructors
This article showcases the positive outcomes but also gives practical examples of the Pilates programs used in the study. There is a clear look at the kinds of exercises that were delivered to these kids, content that you can adapt for your own classes.
The study encourages you to think about how you might vary the content of your classes in a client-centric manner. How would you adapt the exercises for a student with hypermobility? Do you dial back the intensity or focus more on stability? The article explains, but it also invites you to use your creativity to tweak the program in a way that is personal to your clients.
Conclusion: Pilates for All (Even the Kids with Hypermobility!)
In conclusion, this article is a goldmine for Pilates instructors. It’s packed with insights, practical examples, and a solid message that Pilates can be a game-changer for kids (and adults) dealing with complex conditions like hypermobility and chronic pain. The inclusion of class programs in the research gives you a jumping-off point to adapt your own teaching, while the overall message is clear: Pilates isn’t just for flexibility—it’s a rehabilitation powerhouse.
I’ll leave you with this: If you’re not regularly checking out the latest research, start. It may make you look at your Pilates class a little differently—and maybe even inspire a few new adjustments along the way!
Written By
Donna Oliver
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