The effect of clinical pilates training on walking, balance, fall risk, respiratory functions and cognitive functions in persons with multiple sclerosis

Objective: To investigate the effect of clinical pilates training on balance, walking, fall risk, respiratory functions, cognitive functions, quality of life, and fatigue in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS). Method: Forty-two pwMS were allocated into two groups with stratified randomisation. Pilates exercises group (n=21) received therapy once a week for 8 weeks plus home exercise programme. The home exercise program group (n = 21) was given written exercises that matched the aims of the pilates exercises and the compliance was monitored by telephone. The assesments were done at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. The outcome measures comprised the Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW), Six Minute Walk Test (SMWT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), 12-Item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12), Sit-Up Test (SUT), Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Activity Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), respiratory muscle assessment, The Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life questionnaire (MuSiQoL), Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS). Results: Data from 33 individuals were analyzed. While there were improvements only in the T25FWT, SMWT, TUG, SUT, MSWS-12, FES, ABC test and inspiratory muscle strength in the home exercise program group (n=17) (p< 0.05), it was stated significant improvements in all tests in the clinical pilates group (n=16) (p <0.05). Compared with the two groups, clinical pilates training was superior to home exercise program in terms of improving postural stability, walking, core stabilisation, respiratory muscle strength, cognitive functions and quality of life, decreasing risk of falling and fatigue (p <0.05). Conclusion: Clinical pilates may be preferred as an alternative method to MS rehabilitation to improve balance, walking, respiratory functions and cognitive functions. Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, pilates, exercises