Can Pilates Help Improve Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptoms?

Exercise is widely recommended by healthcare professionals for nearly all adults, including those with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). For people with MS (pwMS), maintaining physical abilities is crucial. Better fitness before a relapse can facilitate easier and fuller recovery of abilities lost during the relapse. Additionally, exercise has been shown to help manage stress and reduce the severity of fatigue, which is the most commonly reported symptom among pwMS.

A comprehensive systematic review published in 2022 in the Journal of Clinical Medicine analyzed 20 randomized controlled trials involving 999 persons with MS. The review found that Pilates offered significant benefits across several areas. All 14 studies examining balance reported improvements after a Pilates program. Strength gains were observed throughout the body, with Pilates focusing on overall core strength while including whole-body exercises.

Walking ability improved in 10 out of 11 studies. A person was considered to walk better if they improved their walking speed. This improvement is likely due to the enhanced strength and balance that Pilates training provides. In order to walk, a person needs sufficient core and leg strength are essential for safe walking, with or without aids. Walking faster is one way to conclude that a person is walking better because faster walking speeds are associated with lower all cause mortality, improved balance, and better physical fitness1.

Fatigue, a common concern for pwMS, showed improvement in 9 out of 10 studies. While Pilates is not superior to other exercise types for fatigue management, it offers this benefit alongside its other advantages. Aerobic capacity also improved, though it’s important to note that Pilates practices vary widely. Some forms may get your heart pumping and you sweating, while others focus on flexibility and relaxation. Regular aerobic exercise is crucial for heart health and is strongly associated with fatigue improvements in pwMS, as well as reducing risks of heart disease and related conditions.

The review also found that Pilates positively affected body composition, increasing muscle mass relative to body fat. Importantly, Pilates programs demonstrate good adherence rates. This is crucial because the most effective exercise is one that people enjoy and stick with! Pilates is popular due to its low-impact nature, combining flexibility with strength training. It’s highly adaptable, with most people able to perform mat exercises at home. Virtual mat Pilates classes, such as those led by physical therapists, have also shown effectiveness in improving walking ability.

In short, Pilates offers a comprehensive approach to exercise for people with MS, addressing multiple aspects of physical health and wellbeing. Its adaptability and effectiveness make it a great option for maintaining and improving physical abilities.

Read the full study here:  

  1. Rodríguez-Fuentes G, Silveira-Pereira L, Ferradáns-Rodríguez P, Campo-Prieto P. Therapeutic Effects of the Pilates Method in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med. 2022 Jan 28;11(3):683. doi: 10.3390/jcm11030683. PMID: 35160134; PMCID: PMC8836864.

What are the benefits of Pilates?

Pilates has always had a bit of a stigma. Joseph Pilates developed method primarily for dancers, and the current view is Pilates is for women that wear Lululemon exclusively. The reality is that Pilates is for everyone! It is holistic and low impact, which makes it a very safe form of exercise.

At the heart of Pilates lies the fundamental principle of integrating controlled movements with focused breathing. So many of us hold our breath during difficult movements, and Pilates helps to break this bad habit. Additionally, unlike traditional exercise routines that often emphasize pure physical exertion, Pilates places equal importance on the mind-body connection, which allows one to develop greater body awareness, enhanced muscle control, and a heightened sense of mental focus.  This mind-body connection also can be harnessed to help to improve balance.

One of the primary benefits of Pilates is its ability to improve overall body strength and flexibility. The low-impact, resistance-based exercises target the core muscles, which serve as the foundation for the body’s stability and balance. By strengthening both large major muscle groups and smaller stabilizing muscles, Pilates helps to improve posture, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance overall physical performance in everyday life and during other physical activities.

Pilates’ focus on controlled movements and proper form also makes it an excellent choice for individuals recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions. The low-impact nature of the exercises, combined with the focused attention on alignment, can aid in the healing process and help prevent further injury. This adaptability allows Pilates to be an inclusive practice, welcoming people with diverse ability levels to enjoy its benefits.

One of the unique aspects of Pilates is its versatility in addressing specific physical needs. Exercises can be modified to everyone’s ability level. Pilates equipment may look a little like a torture device but is useful to make exercises easier or harder. The modifiable aspect of Pilates allows people to gradually progress as they build strength, flexibility, and body awareness at their own pace, ensuring a safe and effective workout experience.

Beyond its physical advantages, Pilates also offers profound benefits for mental well-being. The practice’s emphasis on controlled breathing and mindful movement encourages practitioners to focus inward, cultivating a greater sense of self-awareness and emotional regulation. This mind-body connection can lead to reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep quality, and an enhanced state of mental clarity and focus.

Whether you’re looking to improve your overall fitness, recover from an injury, or simply find a way to de-stress and reconnect with your body, Pilates provides a way to exercise to help you safely achieve your physical goals.

Pilates has always had a bit of a stigma. Josheph Pilates developed method primarily for dancers, and the current view is Pilates is for women that wear Lululemon exclusively. The reality is that Pilates is for everyone! It is wholistic and low impact, which makes it a very safe form of exercise.

At the heart of Pilates lies the fundamental principle of integrating controlled movements with focused breathing. So many of us hold our breath during difficult movements, and Pilates helps to break this bad habit. Additionally, unlike traditional exercise routines that often emphasize pure physical exertion, Pilates places equal importance on the mind-body connection, which allows one to develop greater body awareness, enhanced muscle control, and a heightened sense of mental focus.  This mind-body connection also can be harnessed to help to improve balance.

One of the primary benefits of Pilates is its ability to improve overall body strength and flexibility. The low-impact, resistance-based exercises target the core muscles, which serve as the foundation for the body’s stability and balance. By strengthening both large major muscle groups and smaller stabilizing muscles, Pilates helps to improve posture, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance overall physical performance in everyday life and during other physical activities.

Pilates’ focus on controlled movements and proper form also makes it an excellent choice for individuals recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions. The low-impact nature of the exercises, combined with the focused attention on alignment, can aid in the healing process and help prevent further injury. This adaptability allows Pilates to be an inclusive practice, welcoming people with diverse ability levels to enjoy its benefits.

One of the unique aspects of Pilates is its versatility in addressing specific physical needs. Exercises can be modified to everyone’s ability level. Pilates equipment may look a little like a torture device but is useful to make exercises easier or harder. The modifiable aspect of Pilates allows people to gradually progress as they build strength, flexibility, and body awareness at their own pace, ensuring a safe and effective workout experience.

Beyond its physical advantages, Pilates also offers profound benefits for mental well-being. The practice’s emphasis on controlled breathing and mindful movement encourages practitioners to focus inward, cultivating a greater sense of self-awareness and emotional regulation. This mind-body connection can lead to reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep quality, and an enhanced state of mental clarity and focus.

Whether you’re looking to improve your overall fitness, recover from an injury, or simply find a way to de-stress and reconnect with your body, Pilates provides a way to exercise to help you safely achieve your physical goals.