Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of Pilates and Ai-Chi on balance, functional mobility, muscle strength, the level of perceived balance confidence, fatigue, mood and quality of life in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
BACKGROUND: Although MS patients are often referred to the Pilates and Aquatherapy, the scientific evidences of these methods are not sufficient.
DESIGN/METHODS: Twenty-nine ambulatory female patients with MS (Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale scores 0-4) were included to the study. Patients were divided into two groups as Pilates (n=18) and Ai-Chi (n=11). Both groups were instructed to do exercises 2 times/week for eight weeks. Static standing balance was measured with single leg balance test, functional mobility was measured with Timed-Up and Go test, upper (shoulder flexion-abduction, elbow flexion), lower extremity (hip flexion-abduction-adduction-extension, knee extension, dorsal flexion) muscle strength were assessed with hand-held dynamometer , the level of perceived balance confidence was evaluated with Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale, fatigue was evaluated with Fatigue Severity Scale, mood was evaluated with Beck Depression Inventory, health related quality of life was evaluated using Nottingham Health Profile.
RESULTS: Static standing balance, functional mobility and mood were significantly improved in each group (p<0.05). Fatigue was significantly decreased in both groups (p<0.05). Whereas all of upper and lower extremity muscle strengths, the level of perceived balance confidence and quality of life were improved in Pilates group (p<0.05); no significant improvement were found (p>0.05) in Ai-Chi group on elbow flexion, hip adduction and dorsal flexion muscle strength, the level of perceived balance confidence and quality of life.
CONCLUSIONS: According to these findings, each of two exercise approaches may improve balance, functional mobility and mood but Pilates seems to a better method than Ai-Chi for improving muscle strength, the level of perceived balance confidence and quality of life in patients with MS.
Disclosure: Dr. Guclu-Gunduz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Irkec has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bayraktar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Batur-Caglayan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Yazici has nothing to disclose. Dr. Citaker has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nazliel has nothing to disclose.
Wednesday, March 20 2013, 7:30 am-12:00 pm
- Copyright © 2013 by AAN Enterprises, Inc.
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