Webinar: Neuro Pilates Can Assist in Stroke Recovery
When life circumstances and my experience in exercise unexpectedly intersected with my mother’s life changing stroke, something meaningful emerged for both of us. In many ways, necessity truly became the mother of invention. My mom needed support in her recovery, and I had the time, a foundational level of mobility knowledge, and the determination to learn more so I could help her. Pilates, I discovered, particularly when tailored for neurological conditions, is
a powerful tool for stroke recovery. It helps rewire the brain and body connection.
Primary areas of concern to address with my mother’s condition was deceasing spasticity, increasing balance and being body aware. A tailored Pilates program can focus on precise movements that are geared to improve proprioception (body awareness) and decreasing spasticity. Using Pilates methods and equipment in addition to techniques gained from the Advanced Neurological Certification this lecture will follow the 5 years after my mother ended her traditional stroke recovery program, and how we have supported her and her resulting continuing progress.
This type of training can be a continuation of post rehab work for patients that have had a stroke. Because recovery depends on consistent long-term therapy with meaningful daily exercises that have real results, stroke victims should have ongoing training, and I believe wellness centers can and should deliver those programs.
Learning Objectives
1. Why send stroke clients to Pilates? - Attendees will be able to identify the primary physical challenges individuals face following stroke recovery, including hemiparesis and asymmetrical movement patterns, and explain how tailored Pilates-based interventions can address these deficits on both the affected and non-affected sides long term. They will learn how foundational Pilates principles (e.g., control, coordination, precision, concentration and flow) will help stroke victims regain daily living skill functions.
2. How can we help with physical and mental challenges? - Attendees will be able to recognize the value of incremental progress (“small wins”) in stroke recovery and apply strategies that use Pilates to foster patient
motivation, confidence, and long-term adherence by highlighting measurable improvements in movement quality and independence.
3. What’s the next best thing in assisting in recovery? - Attendees will be able to identify the benefits of methods taught in the Advanced Neuro Techniques Course and how they can be used post traditional stroke rehab. They will learn how to evaluate modes of training that could incorporate these methods into programs for post stroke rehab patients.
Speaker: Kimberly Moses, Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, Pilates Instructor at ProMedica ForeverFit
Kim Moses is a lifelong fitness enthusiast! A springboard diver in her early years leading into college, was followed by a bachelor’s in education and a master’s degree in health and physical education. Five children and six states later she continues to strive for new fitness opportunities. A former NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) graduate, whitewater kayaker, and triathlete, she currently holds a comprehensive Pilates Certification from Balanced Body, Advanced Neurological Pilates Level 2 Instructor and certifications in personal training, group cycling, TRX, water aerobics, and group fitness. A former Adjunct Lecturer at Armstrong Atlantic State University, Bowling Green State University, North Carolina State University, University of Tampa and Wichita State University where she taught fitness basics and multiple Physical Education classes. Currently specializing in back pain and stroke recovery. Her group exercise career started in graduate school and has spanned over 37 years.