Research Impact: Evidence supports benefits of exercise for mental health among people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). Positive effects of traditional exercise modes among PwMS are established; however, less is known about non-traditional modes like Pilates. Research supports feasibility trial provision to underpin prospective exercise research among PwMS. This eight-week randomized pilot trial explored feasibility indicators of supervised or home-based Pilates compared to wait-list control on mental health outcomes among PwMS. Home-based Pilates showed high compliance, no adverse events, and lower feelings of depressed mood and fatigue. These findings support the feasibility of home-based Pilates to improve mental health outcomes among PwMS.
Fleming KM, Coote SB, Herring MP (2019). ‘The feasibility of Pilates to improve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fatigue among people with Multiple Sclerosis: An eight-week randomized controlled pilot trial’, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 45, 101573. DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2019.101573
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