Benefits of Static Stretching, Pliates® and Elastic Bands Resistance Training on Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effects of Pilates ® , a 30 s static stretching protocol and elastic bands resistance training on lower and hand-grip strength, rachis morphology, flexibility and body balance among RRMS patients.Methods: Twenty-two subjects affected by relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS, EDSS ≤ 6) were randomly divided into 3 groups whose members each performed 16 weeks of training. Stabilometry, rachis morphology, sit and reach, handgrip and sit to stand tests were performed three times: T0, after a month of learning training protocols; T1, after eight weeks of training; and T2, after sixteen weeks of training. Results Conclusion:Static stretching, Pilates and resistance training are useful to increase the autonomy in the daily life of people with MS thanks to the adoption of these three different training methods.

Exercise Interventions for Improving Flexibility in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Of the 834 references located, 62 were initially selected. Following a reading of the full text, a total of seven studies (four RCTs [18,19,20,21] and three uncontrolled investigations [22,23,24]) were included in the final analysis (Figure 1). In accordance with the studies, which included information regarding the characteristics of the sample, a total of 163 participants (64.4% women), with an average age of 49.5 ± 5.5 years participated in the proposed interventions.…”

“…The methodological quality of the RCTs was considered “excellent” [18] and “good” [19,20] in three of the studies analyzed, and “poor” in one [21] (Table 2).…”

“…Following the administration of the CERT scale, four studies were graded as “high” [18,19,20,22] and three [21,23,24] as “low” (Table 4).…”

“…The selected studies carried out different interventions, based on the performance of aerobic exercise [23], strength exercises [21], or a combination of multiple forms of exercise (flexibility, balance and strength [18,22] or aerobic and strength [20]). Other research proposed interventions based on Pilates [19,21] or Tai chi [24]. Only one study included a specific flexibility program [21] (Table 1).…”

“…Other research proposed interventions based on Pilates [19,21] or Tai chi [24]. Only one study included a specific flexibility program [21] (Table 1). The average duration of the training programs was 23.1 ± 7.1 weeks, with an average of 2 ± 0.8 sessions per week, with the exception of one study, which does not give the session times, but the times of the sets carried out; the average duration of a set was 67.5 ± 27.2 min.…”