Zuhal Abasıyanık1, Özge Ertekin2, Turhan Kahraman3, Pınar Yigit4, Serkan Özakbaş5. 1. Graduate School of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylül University, Inciralti, Izmir 35340, Turkey. Electronic address: zuhalabasiyanik@gmail.com. 2. School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey. 3. Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey. 4. Department of Neurology, Dokuz Eylül University Hospital, Izmir, Turkey. 5. Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey.
Abstract
CONTEXT: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive and neurodegenerative disease. Exercise programs are needed to maintain and increase functional status in persons with MS (pwMS). Pilates exercises designed by a physiotherapist can enhance participation and functionality in pwMS. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Clinical Pilates training on balance, walking, fall risk, respiratory, and cognitive functions in pwMS compared with an active comparator (home exercise training). DESIGN: This study was a randomized controlled study. SETTINGS: This study was designed by researchers at Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-two pwMS were included in this randomized controlled trial. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Walking, core stability, balance confidence, respiratory muscle strength, andcognitive functions were assessed before and after the program. INTERVENTIONS: The participants were randomly divided into two groups. The Pilates exercises group (n = 21) received therapy weekly for 8 weeks along with a home exercise program. The home exercise group (n = 21) was given standardized exercises reflecting routine clinical practice. The program compliance was monitored by telephone calls once a week. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in walking speed (p = 0.096), perceived walking ability (p = 0.165), and fear of falling (p = 0.385) between the Pilates and home exercise groups. Clinical Pilates training was superior to the home exercise program in walking endurance (p = 0.001), postural stability (p = 0.028), core stability (p = 0.016), respiratory (maximum inspiratory pressure: p = 0.037, maximum expiratory pressure: p = 0.008), and cognitive functions (p = 0.001-0.007). Clinical Pilates training may be preferred as an alternative method to improve balance, walking, respiratory, and cognitive functions in pwMS.
RCT Entities:
CONTEXT: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive and neurodegenerative disease. Exercise programs are needed to maintain and increase functional status in persons with MS (pwMS). Pilates exercises designed by a physiotherapist can enhance participation and functionality in pwMS. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Clinical Pilates training on balance, walking, fall risk, respiratory, and cognitive functions in pwMS compared with an active comparator (home exercise training). DESIGN: This study was a randomized controlled study. SETTINGS: This study was designed by researchers at Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-two pwMS were included in this randomized controlled trial. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Walking, core stability, balance confidence, respiratory muscle strength, and cognitive functions were assessed before and after the program. INTERVENTIONS: The participants were randomly divided into two groups. The Pilates exercises group (n = 21) received therapy weekly for 8 weeks along with a home exercise program. The home exercise group (n = 21) was given standardized exercises reflecting routine clinical practice. The program compliance was monitored by telephone calls once a week. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in walking speed (p = 0.096), perceived walking ability (p = 0.165), and fear of falling (p = 0.385) between the Pilates and home exercise groups. Clinical Pilates training was superior to the home exercise program in walking endurance (p = 0.001), postural stability (p = 0.028), core stability (p = 0.016), respiratory (maximum inspiratory pressure: p = 0.037, maximum expiratory pressure: p = 0.008), and cognitive functions (p = 0.001-0.007). Clinical Pilates training may be preferred as an alternative method to improve balance, walking, respiratory, and cognitive functions in pwMS.