Physiotherapy and pilates in the functionality and quality of life of people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic progressive disease that affects the Central Nervous System, causing destruction of myelin, and like many autoimmune diseases, it should be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Objective: To evaluate the influence of conventional physical therapy and the Pilates method in patients with Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS) on their daily activities and quality of life. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 25 medical records of patients submitted to Pilates (group A with 12 patients) and physical therapy (group B with 13 patients) with only one technique for each group from 2018 to 2019. Some scales were used: the Berg Balance Scale, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), MRC Medical Research Council Scale (MRC), and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Scale (MSQOL-54). Results: With the significance level adopted for p < 0.05, by the Wilcoxon test, we obtained MFIS: conventional p = 0.030 and Pilates p = 0.005, BERG: conventional p = 0.015 and Pilates p = 0, 004, MSQOL-54 (Physical): Conventional p = 0.263 and Pilates p = 0.009 and MSQOL-54 (Mental): Conventional p = 0.807 and Pilates p = 0.028. Conclusion: The Pilates method proved to be more efficient, both in terms of functionality regarding fatigue and balance, as well as in quality of life, showing physical and mental improvement.