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Adapted Resistance Training Improves Strength in Eight Weeks in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

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Pilates as therapy for multiple sclerosis: current perspective and future directions.

Parisa Najafi¹, Louise Declerck¹, Robert Motl¹

¹Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.

Neurodegenerative Disease Management

|May 1, 2026

Summary

Pilates exercise shows consistent benefits for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, improving fatigue, balance, and quality of life. Further research is recommended to address limitations in current evidence for broader application.

Keywords:

Pilates exercise multiple sclerosis rehabilitation therapy

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Rehabilitation Medicine
Exercise Science

Background:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system (CNS) disease causing significant impairments and reduced quality of life (QOL).
Mind-body exercises, such as Pilates, are increasingly explored for their therapeutic potential in managing MS symptoms.
Activity-dependent neuroplasticity is a potential mechanism underlying the benefits of Pilates in MS.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an overview of Pilates exercise as a therapy for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
To present evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the benefits, safety, and application of Pilates in MS.
To identify limitations in the existing research and provide recommendations for future studies.

Main Methods:

Systematic review of 31 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating Pilates interventions in people with MS.
Analysis of evidence regarding improvements in fatigue, balance, QOL, walking, mood, and biochemical markers.
Assessment of study limitations including geographic representation, participant demographics, intervention variability, outcome reporting, and safety data.

Main Results:

Consistent evidence supports Pilates' effectiveness in improving fatigue, balance, QOL, walking performance, and mood in MS patients.
Improvements were also noted in select biochemical markers.
The generalizability of findings is limited by study design, participant characteristics, and reporting inconsistencies.

Conclusions:

Pilates is a holistic, evidence-informed approach with significant potential to enhance outcomes for individuals with MS.
Recommendations are provided for future research to strengthen the evidence base, focusing on motor-cognitive function, broader demographics, and standardized reporting.
Addressing current research limitations will enhance the understanding and application of Pilates as a therapeutic intervention for MS.