The effects of Home-based and Outdoor Pilates training on cardiovascular function and some physical fitness factors in women with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease of the nervous system that causes muscle weakness and impaired physical function, including walking and balance. The aim of this study was to investigate cardiovascular endurance, muscle endurance, upper and lower strength, coordination, balance and vitamin D levels in MS patients after Home-based and Outdoor Pilates training.

44 women with MS were randomly selected and divided into 3 groups: home-based training (HPT), outdoor training (OPT), and a control. The training groups performed 8 weeks of Pilates between 8 and 10 a.m. individually (via DVD) at home or under sunlight, cardiovascular and muscular endurance, upper and lower body strength, balance, coordination, and vitamin D level of the patients were measured before and
after the 8-week training. The data were analyzed using the covariance statistical method 

Eight weeks of HPT and OPT increased cardiovascular and muscular endurance, upper and lower body strength, coordination, and vitamin D level, and improved the balance of patients (P<0.05). The post-hoc analysis revealed that, compared to HPT, OPT caused a greater increase in upper and lower body muscle strength, balance, and vitamin D in patients. However, the changes in cardiovascular and muscular endurance and coordination between OPT and HPT were not statistically significant (P>0.05).

In general, HPT and OPT increase the functional capacity of women with MS, and to be more effective, OPT is recommended due to the reduction of physical complications of the disease.