Impact of Pilates Exercise in Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition affecting mobility.
• Pilates exercises, focusing on whole-body movement, show potential for improving mobility in MS patients.
• Current research aims to quantify the specific effects of Pilates on walking in individuals with MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a 12-week Pilates program on walking performance in individuals with MS.
• To assess secondary outcomes including functional ability, balance, flexibility, body composition, core endurance, and muscle strength.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 30 individuals with MS (Patient-Determined Disease Steps scale score <7).
• Participants were assigned to either a Pilates group (Pilates twice weekly, massage once weekly) or a control group (massage once weekly).
• Primary outcome: 6-Minute Walk Test; Secondary outcomes: Timed Up and Go test, Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale, sit and reach test, DXA, plank-hold test, and quadriceps strength/activation.

Main Results:

• The Pilates group demonstrated a significant increase in walking distance (52.4 m) compared to the control group (15.0 m) (P = .01).
• Functional ability, measured by the Timed Up and Go test, improved significantly in the Pilates group (decrease of 1.5 seconds) versus the control group (increase of 0.3 seconds) (P = .03).
• No other significant differences were observed between groups for secondary outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Pilates exercise intervention led to significant improvements in walking performance and functional ability in people with MS.
• Pilates presents a viable and effective exercise modality for managing multiple sclerosis and enhancing patient quality of life.