Effects of Pilates-based telerehabilitation on physical performance and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Purpose

It is known that clinical Pilates improves strength, core stability, balance, gait, fatigue, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). On the other hand, there is insufficient information about whether similar benefits can be achieved with Pilates-based telerehabilitation (Pilates-TR). We aimed to investigate the effects of Pilates-TR on physical performance and QOL in PwMS.

Methods

Thirty PwMS were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups. The Pilates-TR group received Pilates-TR via videoconferences three days per week during six weeks at home. The control group (CG) was a waitlist with no Pilates-TR treatment. Physical performance measures included extremity muscle strength, core endurance and power, balance, gait analysis, and functional exercise capacity. In addition, fatigue and QOL were evaluated.

Results

Extremity muscle strength, core endurance and power, balance, walking speed, cadence, distance, functional exercise capacity, and QOL were improved after Pilates-TR (p < 0.05). Fatigue level and the effects of fatigue on functions decreased in Pilates-TR, while fatigue level increased in CG (p < .05). The CG showed no changes in any other measurements (p > .05).

Conclusion

Pilates-TR was effective in improving physical performance and QOL in PwMS. Pilates-TR can be recommended as an effective option, especially for patients with barriers to reaching the clinic. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04838886)

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

1. Pilates-based telerehabilitation (Pilates-TR) is an effective means of improving muscle strength, core stability, balance, walking, functional exercise capacity, and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

2. Pilates-TR seems like an appropriate option for improving both the mental and physical dimensions of quality of life in PwMS.

3. Clinicians can safely use Pilates-TR to increase physical performance and quality of life in PwMS who have limitations to participate in clinical Pilates for various reasons.

Keywords:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Pilates
• telerehabilitation
• balance
• core stability
• fatigue
• quality of life

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to all participants.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.