Effect of Pilates Training Based on Core Stability on Balance and Electromyography of Women with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, which causes multifocal demyelization in the nervous system (brain and spine). Muscle weakness and balance problems are limiting factors in MS patients that can improve by exercise. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of six weeks of Pilates training in balance and electrical muscle activity.
A total of 15 females with MS were selected from Multiple Sclerosis Society of Tehran with 1≤EDSS≤6 (average disease period 10/93±7/04 year, average age 38/53±10/51year, average weight 62/40±8/11 Kg, and average height 159/46±5/22) took part in the present study on a voluntary basis. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups of control (n=7) and experimental (n=8). Then, assessment of balance and electrical muscles activity test (soleus tibialis anterior and gluteus medius) were performed for each leg. Patients in the experimental group participated in a six-week Pilates training. At the end, once more, balance and electrical muscle activity test were performed similar to pre-test from each group. Data was analyzed using repetitive ANOVA 2*2 (time*group).
The result of the present study showed that Pilate's exercises during six weeks have significant effects on the balance of 25-50 year-old women with MS. Furthermore, Pilates training was shown to have effects on the right soleus, tibialis, and left soleus (p≤0/01), but it does not have any effect on other muscles (p≥0/01).
According to the results of the current study, six weeks of Pilates caused balance improvement and increased muscle activity (right soleus, tibialis anterior, and left soleus), thus using Pilates training is recommended for women with MS.