Effect of Pilates Training on Fatigue, Endurance and Balance among Women with Multiple Sclerosis

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of myelin degradation of the central nervous system characterized by impaired transmission of nerve impulses. Considering the effect of different exercises in helping to reduce the symptoms in MS patients, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Pilates exercise programs on fatigue, endurance and balance among women with MS. Methods: Forty subjects recruited in this single blind, experimental before-after controlled study, which was performed one year after COVID-۱۹ pandemic in Iran. The training program performed three days a week with one hour per session and gradually increased to one and a half hours per session over ۸ weeks. The assessment tools included Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS) questionnaire, the sit-up test, the Berg Balance Test (BBS). The covariance analysis test was used to compare variables between groups. Pilates training as independent variable, pre-test measures as covariate and post-test measures as dependent variables were considered. Findings: The Pilates training group had significantly lower fatigue, more endurance and higher balance scores comparing the control group (P=۰.۰۰۱). Discussion: It is speculated from the present study that by performing Pilates training, the process of disease and physical functioning of patients with MS can be altered.

کلیدواژه ها:

Multiple sclerosis ، symptoms ، exercise therapy ، Pilates ، fatigue ، physical functioning