A comparative study of the effects of yoga and clinical Pilates training on walking, cognition, respiratory functions, and quality of life in persons with multiple sclerosis: A quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to investigate the effects of yoga and clinical Pilates training on walking, respiratory muscle strength, cognition, and quality of life and compare the effects of two popular exercise methods in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). METHODS: Twenty-eight pwMS (Pilates group = 16, yoga group = 12) received the program once a week for eight weeks in addition to home exercises. At baseline and the end of the training, participants underwent assessments. The outcome measures were walking speed, mobility, balance confidence, respiratory muscle strength, cognition, and quality of life. RESULTS: Following the program, there was no significant difference in mobility (p = 0.482), perceived walking quality (p = 0.325), respiratory muscle strength (maximum inspiratory pressure: p = 0.263, maximum expiratory pressure: p = 0.866), and cognition (Symbol Digit Modalities Test: p = 0.324, California Verbal Learning Test-II: p = 0.514, Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised: p = 0.279) between the two groups. Improvements were higher in balance confidence (p = 0.006), walking speed (p = 0.004), and quality of life (p = 0.019) in the clinical Pilates group compared to the yoga group. CONCLUSION: This study showed positive effects in walking and respiratory aspects in pwMS who received yoga and clinical Pilates training. Pilates training was superior in improving walking speed, quality of life, and balance confidence compared to yoga training.

The effects of Clinical Pilates training on walking, balance, fall risk, respiratory, and cognitive functions in persons with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial.

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.