What is it about?

Pilates is an exercise method which increases strength and endurance of core muscles and improves flexibility, dynamic postural control and balance. This study aimed to analyze and compare the effects of Mat and Reformer Pilates methods in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Thirty-eight patients with MS were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into 3 groups as Mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates and control groups. The subjects in the Pilates groups did Mat or Reformer Pilates for 8 weeks, 2 days a week. The control group did breathing and relaxation exercises at home. Balance, functional mobility, core stability, fatigue severity and quality of life were evaluated. Balance, functional mobility, core stability, fatigue severity and quality of life improved after Pilates in Mat and Reformer Pilates groups (p < 0.05). On the other hand, we could not find any changing in the control group (p > 0.05). When the gain obtained in the Pilates groups is compared, it has been observed that progress has been more in trunk flexor muscle strength in the Reformer Pilates group (p < 0.05) and that the gain has been similar in the other parameters (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As a result, patients with MS have seen similar benefits in Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates methods.

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Why is it important?

The purpose of this study is to analysis and compare the effects of Mat and Reformer Pilates methods in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Although there are studies in literature which show the effects of Pilates for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients, evidences are insufficient and there are no studies which show the effects of different Pilates methods. Additionally, it is a difficult job for therapist that patients continue to exercise for a long time. Therefore, we must offer different exercise options to our patients. Our study suggests two alternative methods physiotherapists can recommend to their patients with MS.

Perspectives

The results of our study were obtained from patients with MS with mild to moderate disability. Although, the results cannot be generalize for patients with higher EDSS scores. Our opinion is that Pilates exercises can be modified to ever the level of disability and it can be used to develop postural control and balance.pinion and our clinical observations. We showed that similar benefits have been seen in patients with MS in Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates methods. It is believed that both trainings are bene- ficial for increasing balance, mobility and strength, reducing fatigue severity and developing the quality of life in patients with MS. In deciding which of these trainings can be more suitable for the patient, the preferences of the patient and the possibilities of the clinic should be taken into consideration.

ARZU GUCLU-GUNDUZ
Gazi Universitesi

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This page is a summary of: The effects of Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates in patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A randomized controlled study, Neurorehabilitation, October 2017, IOS Press,
DOI: 10.3233/nre-162121.
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