The impacts of core stability exercise (Pilates) on posture, pain, fun

Other measures (1)

Background and study aims About 19% of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) need to use wheelchairs at some point. A good sitting position in a wheelchair is important as this allows the person to breathe deeply, use their arms efficiently and could decrease fatigue and back and neck pain. Studies of exercise in people with MS have found benefits in strength and stamina but rarely include wheelchair users. Pilates is increasingly popular with people who have MS and has added value because the exercises are possible when seated in a wheelchair. Pilates focuses on improving core stability, which should improve sitting stability and posture while sitting in a wheelchair. Theoretically, a better sitting posture should improve breathing, arm function and comfort, and could decrease back, neck or shoulder pain. However, there is no published evidence of its effects for people with MS. This project aims to investigate the impacts of a 12-week structured programme of core (trunk) stability exercises (Pilates) on sitting stability, breathing, pain, function, fatigue and quality of life for people with MS. A second aim is to explore group and individual experiences of this programme and its impacts using so-called focus groups in which these experiences will be discussed. The results of this study will provide information about whether Pilates is appropriate for further research, development and funding. Who can participate? People with MS, aged 18 or over, living in the Edinburgh area, who use a wheelchair but are able to transfer with minimal assistance (e.g. with the help of one person and using a sliding board), cognitive ability to follow an instructor's advice, and clinical stability for six weeks. What does the study involve? Participants will be randomly divided into two groups. One group will be invited to the Pilates classes: two sessions per week for the first 6 weeks and one session for the following 6 weeks. Each session will last about an hour. We will also ask people in this group to do a daily programme of 15 minutes of Pilates exercises at home and keep a record of this. The other group will continue with their usual care. This group will not attend any Pilates classes during this study, but for those interested we can help finding an appropriate class after the study is finished. The total duration of the study is around six months - 12 weeks of Pilates classes for those in the Pilates group, followed by three months of no classes for either group. At the end of this time, a final set of measurements will be taken. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? We cannot promise this study will help you but the information we get from this study will provide useful information about a possible strategy for improving quality of life when people with MS use a wheelchair. Pilates is a safe way of exercising, and the Pilates Instructor will be able to monitor you closely during the exercises. It is possible that you will feel more fatigued after the classes and/or after the measurement sessions. If you agree to take part we will invite you to attend for measurements of your posture, sitting stability and breathing capacity on four occasions within a six-month period. You can always, at any moment withdraw from the Pilates classes or tests. Where is the study run from? Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh and supported by NHS Lothian and NHS Lanarkshire When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? The study started in Spring 2010 and we intend to complete the study in early 2013. Who is funding the study? MS Society UK Who is the main contact? Dr Marietta van der Linden mvanderlinden@qmu.ac.uk