Pilates for rehabilitation in patients with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review of effects on cognition, health-related physical fitness, general symptoms and quality of life

Abstract

Objective: The aims of this systematic review is to analyze the effectiveness of Pilates intervention programs on cognitive function, health-related physical fitness, general symptoms, physical function, quality of life, and the impact Pilates can have on activities of daily living in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients. This review also aims to provide a synthesis of the most commonly used protocols regarding exercise parameters, such as periodicity and treatment duration.

Data sources: Systematic review of the literature was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO no. CRD42017070004). A literature search was undertaken for studies that investigated the effects of Pilates training on MS patients, using databases included PubMed, Medline, Scopus and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) up to May 2018.

Study selection: Three researchers independently reviewed the titles and abstract of each article to screen the papers in relation to the inclusion criteria.

Data extraction: Data were extracted by three researchers independently. The eligible articles were read in full and their levels of evidence were evaluated using the PEDro scale.

Data synthesis: Forty-two papers were found during the research phase. Duplicated (n = 23) or incomplete articles (n = 1) were excluded. Studies were also eliminated from the sample based on methodological approach (study design) quality assessment (n = 6). Twelve studies were ultimately selected and analyzed.

Conclusions: The majority of the studies analyzed showed positive results after Pilates training intervention and concluded that Pilates intervention is safe and effective for the treatment of dysfunction of balance, strength, quality of life, cognition, physical performance, walking and posture parameters on MS patients. The articles investigated in this review provide a scientific basis to support Pilates as an option for rehabilitation programs for MS patients.

Keywords: Cognitive function; Exercise therapy; Health-related quality of life; Multiple sclerosis; Pilates training; Rehabilitation.