Impact of a Five-Year Clinical Pilates Intervention on Functional Mobility and Quality of Life in a 69-Year-Old Male with Idiopathic Inflammatory Myositis: A Case Study

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this case study is to examine the effects of a structured Clinical Pilates (CP) intervention on functional mobility, balance, disability, quality of life, and selected biochemical markers in a 69-year-old male patient diagnosed with Idiopathic Inflammatory Myositis (IIM). Limited evidence regarding CP’s potential to improve functional mobility, balance, and psychosocial well-being in this population underscores the urgent need for exploratory, patient-centered research to evaluate its efficacy as a targeted rehabilitative strategy.

Methods: Over five years, the patient participated in CP sessions guided by a certified instructor, focusing on controlled movement, fascial work, postural alignment, and neuromuscular activation. A detailed record of medications and the physicians managing the patient from diagnosis to the present was maintained. Serum CK was monitored from 2020 as the only longitudinal biochemical marker. Functional outcomes and quality of life were assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG), Short Form-36 (SF-36), and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ-DI).

Results: Creatine Kinase levels stabilized and trended toward normalization without evidence of exercise-induced muscle damage. Questionnaires showed sustained improvements in mobility, functional strength, balance, and physical components of quality of life, while emotional and social well-being remained high.

Conclusion: Structured and tailored Clinical Pilates is a safe and effective intervention that complements medical management, enhancing functionality and quality of life in patients with IIM and highlighting the importance of patient-centered rehabilitation strategies.

Keywords: Functional Mobility; Myositis; Clinical Pilates

Citation

Leticia de la Fuente-Reynoso A, Dyall J, Verónica Peña-Zermeño L, Menna A, Adamyk T. Impact of a Five Year Clinical Pilates Intervention on Functional Mobility and Quality of Life in a 69-Year-Old Male with Idiopathic Inflammatory Myositis: A Case Study. WebLog J Phys Ther Rehabil. wjptr.2026.a0801. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18214363