Clinical trial NCT06931522: Effects of Mat and Reformer Pilates in Multiple Sclerosis
Official title: Effects of Mat and Reformer Pilates Training on Postural Adjustments, Balance, and Walking in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: RECRUITING
Phase: NA
Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis
Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis
balance
Pilates
gait
Lead sponsor: Gazi University
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-04-17
Enrollment: 10
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 18
Maximum age (years): 65
Standard ages: ADULT
OLDER_ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: no
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: Our study aims to investigate the effects of core stability-based Mat Pilates and Equipment-Based Pilates training on anticipatory postural adjustments (APA), balance, and gait in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Participants diagnosed with MS will be randomly assigned to Mat Pilates, Equipment-Based Pilates, or a control group. Both Pilates programs will be conducted twice a week for eight weeks.

Assessments will be conducted before and after the training period. Anticipatory postural adjustments (APA) will be evaluated using electromyography (EMG) electrodes placed on the Erector Spinae and Tibialis Anterior muscles while participants take a step. Biomechanical responses related to APAs, specifically center of pressure displacement, will be measured using a force platform (Biodex® BioSway).

Core endurance will be assessed using the lateral bridge test, Modified Biering-Sorensen test, trunk flexion test, and prone bridge test, while core strength will be evaluated through sit-ups and push-ups. Balance will be measured using posturography. The Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale will assess confidence in performing daily activities requiring balance. Functional mobility will be evaluated using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Spatiotemporal gait parameters and variability will be analyzed with the BTS® G-WALK system. The Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQOL-54) will assess quality of life.

This study is unique in that, unlike previous Pilates studies, it will be the first to examine the effects of different Pilates methods on APAs, which are crucial for both locomotor activities and postural stability in individuals with MS. Additionally, it will be the first study to evaluate two commonly used Pilates techniques in terms of their impact on balance and gait.


Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis by a specialist physician
* Having a disability level between 0-4.5 according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)
* Being between the ages of 18-65
* Not having had an attack in the last 3 months
* Mini-Mental Test score \> 25

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having another neurological disorder
* Having orthopedic, cardiovascular, and pulmonary problems that may affect the research results
* Having vision, hearing, and perception problems
* Having a disease that may affect the immune system, such as infection, cancer

Primary outcomes:
measure: Anticipatory postural adjustments (APA)
timeFrame: 8 weeks
measure: Neuromuscular activation
timeFrame: 8 weeks
measure: Core stability
timeFrame: 8 weeks
measure: Postural stability
timeFrame: 8 weeks
measure: Gait kinematics
timeFrame: 8 weeks
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Balance Confidence
timeFrame: 8 weeks
measure: Mobility
timeFrame: 8 weeks
measure: Fatigue severity
timeFrame: 8 weeks
measure: Quality of life
timeFrame: 8 weeks
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Ankara
country: Turkey
facility: Gazi University
Study officials:
affiliation: Gazi University
name: Cagla Ozkul, PhD
role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
References:
citation: Rodriguez-Fuentes G, Silveira-Pereira L, Ferradans-Rodriguez P, Campo-Prieto P. Therapeutic Effects of the Pilates Method in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med. 2022 Jan 28;11(3):683. doi: 10.3390/jcm11030683.
citation: Massot C, Simoneau-Buessinger E, Agnani O, Donze C, Leteneur S. Anticipatory postural adjustment during gait initiation in multiple sclerosis patients: A systematic review. Gait Posture. 2019 Sep;73:180-188. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.07.253. Epub 2019 Jul 19.
citation: Sever J, Babic J, Kozinc Z, Sarabon N. Postural Responses to Sudden Horizontal Perturbations in Tai Chi Practitioners. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Mar 7;18(5):2692. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18052692.
citation: Bulguroglu I, Guclu-Gunduz A, Yazici G, Ozkul C, Irkec C, Nazliel B, Batur-Caglayan HZ. The effects of Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates in patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A randomized controlled study. NeuroRehabilitation. 2017;41(2):413-422. doi: 10.3233/NRE-162121.