On-line pilates program as an alternative to conventional rehabilitation therapy for people with multiple sclerosis, pilot study

Introduction Restrictions in physical activity during Covid-19 pandemic had an impact on exercise activities on people with chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis, for whom regular exercise is important for managing the disease. Therefore, alternative forms of exercise and rehabilitation were in high demand. The aim of pilot study was to verify the feasibility and potential effect of an online Pilates exercise programme for people with mild to moderate disability due to multiple sclerosis. Methods The exercise programme was scheduled for 12 weeks (2 times a week for 45 minutes of Pilates exercise combined with 30 minutes of aerobic activity based on participants preferences).The participants' adherence and the anthropometric parameters (weight, BMI, waist circumference) and the functional tests (Single-Leg Stance Test, Sit to Stand Test) were measured together with the patient reported outcomes to monitor patient's psychological well-being and exercise effect (General Self-efficacy Scale and Activity Balance Confidence Scale). Results The total number of 22 women with multiple sclerosis completed the pilot programme. The exercise program proved to be feasible. After 12 weeks of the online Pilates exercise programme significant improvements were found only in the parameter waist circumference (p = 0.03) and in the functional test Sit to Stance (p = 0.01). For the other tests, despite some improvement (self-efficacy and subjective perceived balance performance), there was no significant statistical difference. Conclusion The online Pilates exercise programme supervised by a physiotherapist is feasible for people with mild to moderate neurological disability. It seems to have a positive impact on the anthropometric parameters, but this result needs to be evaluated on larger sample of patients.