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Completed

NCT Number: NCT03006900

Multiple Sclerosis and Pilates

Pilates is becoming popular among the multiple sclerosis (MS) community as an alternative to the more traditional exercise programs. Although somewhat limited, previous research has suggested Pilates may have some beneficial effects in MS. This 12-week, single-blinded, randomized controlled study has one intervention group (Pilates and massage therapy) and one control group (massage therapy only). The primary outcome of interest is the change in walking ability between groups. Secondary outcomes include other measures of physical performance and quality of life.

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Key information

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis Autoimmune Diseases Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System Demyelinating Autoimmune Diseases, CNS Demyelinating Diseases Immune System Diseases Nervous System Diseases

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B2, Canada

About this study

In the recent 2015 MS Society of Canada MS Wellness Survey almost 25% of people indicated that they think physical activity is the most important area of wellness, yet physical inactivity is still common in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). While some of this may be due to factors related to MS such as fatigue, pain, and physical restrictions, research has shown that exercise has beneficial effects on mobility, strength, balance, and overall quality of life. However, because the symptoms of MS vary, there is not one optimal exercise program that exists. Pilates may be a good exercise option for MS. Pilates focuses on body positions and movement, with specific attention on the core (stomach or trunk) muscles. Very few researchers have studied Pilates in MS, but those that have, noticed some improvements in walking, balance, and strength. There were no negative effects reported from the Pilates exercises, and the exercises can be adapted for all levels of ability in MS. We are interested in studying the effect of Pilates in MS. To do this, we will recruit 30 people with MS to participate in this study. Participants will be randomly put into either the Pilates group or the control group. Those individuals in the Pilates group will attend two 50-minute Pilates classes twice weekly, plus receive a weekly 1-hour massage therapy session. Individuals in the control group will only receive the weekly massage therapy session. At the end of the study (12 weeks), we will look to see if there are any differences between the two groups in walking ability. We will also compare other important outcomes such as muscle strength, balance, and quality of life between the two groups. Results from this study may provide individuals with another exercise option to help manage their MS and improve their wellness. Results will also be useful for organizations such as the MS Society to help make decisions about which programs and services to offer to individuals with MS.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis

Exclusion criteria

  • Expanded Disability Status Scale of 8 or higher

Treatment and study plan

Pilates

Other

Pilates

Massage

Other

Massage

Primary outcomes

  1. Change from baseline in distance during the 6-minute walk test

    Time frame: 12 weeks

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change from baseline in balance score for the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale

    Time frame: 12 weeks

  2. Change in sit and reach test score for flexibility

    Time frame: 12 weeks

  3. Change from baseline in timed up and go test score

    Time frame: 12 weeks

  4. Change from baseline in physical activity level

    Time frame: 12 weeks

  5. Change from baseline in maximal isometric knee extension strength

    Time frame: 12 weeks

  6. Change from baseline in ability to recruit motor units

    Time frame: 12 weeks

  7. Change from baseline in ability to recruit motor units in a fatigued state

    Time frame: 12 weeks

  8. Change from baseline in trunk muscular endurance

    Time frame: 12 weeks

  9. Change from baseline in lean tissue mass

    Time frame: 12 weeks

  10. Change from baseline in fat mass

    Time frame: 12 weeks

  11. Change from baseline for score from the MS International Quality of Life questionnaire

    Time frame: 12 weeks

  12. Change from baseline in adverse events

    Time frame: 12 weeks

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Saskatchewan

Other

Collaborators

  • Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

Registry information

Official study title

Determining the Impact of a Pilates Program in Multiple Sclerosis

Important dates

Study start
2016
Primary completion
2017
Study completion
2017
First posted
Dec 30, 2016
Registry last updated
Jun 28, 2018

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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