Pilates exercises to improve balance in patients with multiple sclerosis. Systematic review

Introduction. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic progressive and neurodegenerative disease whose incidence and prevalence rates are increasing worldwide. One of the problems that patients with this disorder present is the lack of balance due to the progressive degradation of myelin, for which Pilates has recently been suggested as an intervention method. Objective. To conduct a systematic review of the literature on the efficacy of performing Pilates exercises to improve balance in patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods. A systematic review of the literature was conducted following the protocol of the PRISMA statement. The PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Academic Search Complete, LILACS, IBECS, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL), SciELO and Web of Science (WOS) databases were consulted. Results. 72 studies were obtained and after removing duplicates and applying the inclusion criteria, 6 trials with a total of 208 patients were selected for inclusion in the analysis. The duration of the Pilates program ranged between 6 and 12 weeks and all studies demonstrated safety with the use of the Pilates method and that no major side effects occurred with the implementation thereof. Conclusions. Pilates exercises are effective to improve balance in patients with multiple sclerosis and are a treatment alter-native superior to standard care. This methodology also improves walking ability, functional mobility, postural stability, sensory interaction, quality of life, strength, endurance, walking speed, respiratory and cognitive functions, and also de-creases fatigue and known risk factors for falls