Effect of six week Pilates exercise with music on balance and concentration in Multiple Sclerosis patients

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients experience the problems related to balance and concentration. The present study aimed to assess the effect of a six-week period of Pilates exercise with music on balance and concentration in MS patients.

The statistical sample of the present study included 29 female MS patients aged 20-50 years with the degree of disability in the range of 2-5, who were homogenized based on the strength test. The pre-test was performed using a static statabiometer system, a dynamic balance test and concentration test and participants were placed in three groups. The first experimental group implemented Pilate’s exercises for six week, threedaya at week and 60 minute per session. Each exercise session was divided into three parts of warming up (10-15 min), doing Pilates exercises (35-40 min), and cool down (10 min). The second experimental group performed these exercises with music and patients in the control group only did their daily activities during exercise course. Then, the participants were post-tested by using the mentioned tool. ANCOVA and LSD post hoc test were used to compare the groups and determine the level of significance (P<0.05).

Based on the statistical analysis, the components of static and dynamic balance and concentraition in experimental and control groups were significantly different and experimental groups were higher thn control group. Additionally, no significant difference was observed between Pilates exercise program with and without music in any of variables.Discussion and

In general, when using Pilates and Pilates exercises programs with music, the quality and type of exercises designed in Pilates training sessions is of particular importance,and required precision should be taken during using music appropriately.