Effects of Mat and Reformer Pilates in Multiple Sclerosis

Gazi University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis

Treatments: Other: Mat Pilates; Other: Reformer Pilates

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06931522

2023 - 960

Details and patient eligibility

About

Our study aims to investigate the effects of core stability-based Mat Pilates and Equipment-Based Pilates training on anticipatory postural adjustments (APA), balance, and gait in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Participants diagnosed with MS will be randomly assigned to Mat Pilates, Equipment-Based Pilates, or a control group. Both Pilates programs will be conducted twice a week for eight weeks.

Assessments will be conducted before and after the training period. Anticipatory postural adjustments (APA) will be evaluated using electromyography (EMG) electrodes placed on the Erector Spinae and Tibialis Anterior muscles while participants take a step. Biomechanical responses related to APAs, specifically center of pressure displacement, will be measured using a force platform (Biodex® BioSway).

Core endurance will be assessed using the lateral bridge test, Modified Biering-Sorensen test, trunk flexion test, and prone bridge test, while core strength will be evaluated through sit-ups and push-ups. Balance will be measured using posturography. The Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale will assess confidence in performing daily activities requiring balance. Functional mobility will be evaluated using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Spatiotemporal gait parameters and variability will be analyzed with the BTS® G-WALK system. The Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQOL-54) will assess quality of life.

This study is unique in that, unlike previous Pilates studies, it will be the first to examine the effects of different Pilates methods on APAs, which are crucial for both locomotor activities and postural stability in individuals with MS. Additionally, it will be the first study to evaluate two commonly used Pilates techniques in terms of their impact on balance and gait.

Enrollment: 10 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis by a specialist physician
• Having a disability level between 0-4.5 according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)
• Being between the ages of 18-65
• Not having had an attack in the last 3 months
• Mini-Mental Test score > 25

Exclusion criteria

• Having another neurological disorder
• Having orthopedic, cardiovascular, and pulmonary problems that may affect the research results
• Having vision, hearing, and perception problems
• Having a disease that may affect the immune system, such as infection, cancer

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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10 participants in 3 patient groups

Mat Pilates

Experimental group

Description:

In Mat Pilates training, exercise balls and elastic bands will be used. The exercises will be done with 10 repetitions for the first 4 weeks, and with 20 repetitions for the last 4 weeks. The difficulty level of the exercises will be increased in the following weeks according to the patient's condition.

Treatment:

Other: Mat Pilates

Reformer Pilates

Experimental group

Description:

In the Reformer Pilates group, the difficulty level of the exercises will be provided by different positions, and the springs' resistance will be increased.

Treatment:

Other: Reformer Pilates

Control group

No Intervention group

Description:

The control group will perform the relaxing exercise at home.