Main description:

Pilates Applications for Health Conditions - Case Reports and Perspectives is a pioneering book that addresses the history of research in Pilates practice and explains the challenges of conducting Pilates research. Movement is recognized as a therapeutic necessity for health and quality of life. However, optimal movement practices specifically tailored for each health condition have not been thoroughly addressed. Case Reports contributed by expert Pilates practitioners in this 30-chapter book illustrate in detail how Pilates movement sequences affect gait, balance, functional movement and quality of life. The co-editors of the book, Madeline Black and Elizabeth Larkam, introduce each chapter's case report, explaining how the health condition is appropriately addressed in the Pilates environment for safety, efficacy and scope of practice. The book is intended as a reference for all Pilates teachers, continuing education providers and teachers-in-training. It delivers information immediately applicable to Pilates practitioners at work in clinical practice, fitness studios, home studios and on-line education. All movement educators and manual therapists will appreciate the rigor of the case report design and the techniques that customize Pilates whole-body movement sequences for each client. The book documents state-of-the-art Pilates applications for health conditions that were in effect prior to the Covid-19 global pandemic. Then continues to chronicle the changes required as Pilates instruction adapted to on-line formats and evolved to in-studio instruction following public health guidelines for physical distancing, use of masks, gloves and extensive sanitization of the studio environment.