Pilates exercise was originally developed by Joseph H. Pilates in the early 1900's. He first developed his "mat work" exercise to be done on the floor, calling this regimen "contrology." Later, during World War I, he was based in a camp where he became a nurse/caretaker to those struck with wartime disease and injury. It was here he began to develop equipment to allow his patients to perform the exercise. Pilates exercise emphasizes core strength and stability. It strengthens, tones, and improves posture, enhancing muscle flexibility and balance while uniting the body and mind. Unlike some exercise programs, quality of movement is emphasized over quantity.

For individuals with SCI, Pilates training (mat work and equipment-based exercise) focuses on facilitating the smaller stabilizing muscles. These smaller muscles are necessary in order to maintain certain types of function. The resistance is kept low enough for the correct muscles to activate without overworking larger muscle groups, thus reducing the risk of overuse injuries, especially at the neck and shoulders, an area in constant use for individuals with SCI.

Read the new fact sheet on Pilates for persons with SCI at http://www.ncpad.org/240/1582/Pilates~for~Individuals~with~Spinal~Cord~Injury.