The Effect of Pilates Training and Electrical Stimulation on Motor and Cognitive Function of Women with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, debilitating nervous system disease, which damages the myelin of the central nervous system. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks Pilates training and direct transcranial stimulation (tDCS) on motor and cognitive functions in women with MS.

The present study was a semi-experimental one in which the women with MS in Tabriz, Iran were selected and 36 of them were selected as subjects with age range of 20-40 years. They were randomly divided into four groups; Pilates + tDCS, Pilates + Placebo, tDCS, and control groups. The Pilates and tDCS training program consisted of 8 weeks (three sessions/60 minutes) Pilates training plus 20 minutes of electrical stimulation.

The results have shown that after exercise and electrical stimulation, the tDCS + exercise and exercise + placebo groups improved motor functions (general endurance, general speed, flexibility, balance). The results also revealed that among the measured cognitive factors, there was a significant improvement in the cognitive flexibility in the tDCS + exercise, the exercise + placebo, and the tDCS groups.

Considering the combined effects of exercise with tDCS on motor functions, it seems that the use of these two techniques is helpful in improving motor functions in MS patients. However, this combined therapy can not improve cognitive functions of patients with MS.