Multiple Sclerosis and Pilates

Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trial

Official title:

Determining the Impact of a Pilates Program in Multiple Sclerosis

Clinical Trial Details — Status: Completed

Administrative data

• NCT number: NCT03006900
• Other study ID #: 2918
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: December 2016
• Est. completion date: December 2017

Study information

• Verified date: June 2018
• Source: University of Saskatchewan
• Contact: n/a
• Is FDA regulated: No
• Study type: Interventional

Clinical Trial Summary

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.

Description:

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.

Recruitment information / eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Enrollment: 30
• Est. completion date: December 2017
• Est. primary completion date: December 2017
• Accepts healthy volunteers: No
• Gender: All
• Age group: N/A and older

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Expanded Disability Status Scale of 8 or higher

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Multiple Sclerosis
• Sclerosis

Intervention

Other:
• Pilates
Pilates
• Massage
Massage

Locations

Country	Name	City	State
Canada	College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan	Saskatoon	Saskatchewan

Sponsors (2)

Lead Sponsor	Collaborator
University of Saskatchewan	Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

Country where clinical trial is conducted

Canada, 

Outcome

Type	Measure	Description	Time frame	Safety issue
Primary	Change from baseline in distance during the 6-minute walk test		12 weeks
Secondary	Change from baseline in balance score for the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale		12 weeks
Secondary	Change in sit and reach test score for flexibility		12 weeks
Secondary	Change from baseline in timed up and go test score		12 weeks
Secondary	Change from baseline in physical activity level		12 weeks
Secondary	Change from baseline in maximal isometric knee extension strength		12 weeks
Secondary	Change from baseline in ability to recruit motor units		12 weeks
Secondary	Change from baseline in ability to recruit motor units in a fatigued state		12 weeks
Secondary	Change from baseline in trunk muscular endurance		12 weeks
Secondary	Change from baseline in lean tissue mass		12 weeks
Secondary	Change from baseline in fat mass		12 weeks
Secondary	Change from baseline for score from the MS International Quality of Life questionnaire		12 weeks
Secondary	Change from baseline in adverse events		12 weeks