Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is the most common chronic neurological and autoimmune disease of young people, which can be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Maintaining balance is a complex motor skill that involves the integration of various sensory information and the planning and execution of movement patterns, which is usually limited in patients with multiple sclerosis. Physical exercise has an important role and can alleviate this problem. Pilates is an exercise that focuses on stabilizing the body's core through repetition of low-intensity exercises for stretching and muscular endurance Purpose: The purpose of diploma work was to determine the impact of Pilates exercise on balance in patients with multiple sclerosis, based on a review of professional and scientific literature. Methods: In this diploma work we used a descriptive method of work with a review of scientific and professional literature. We searched the literature in the databases PubMed, Research Gate and PEDro. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials, age of participants over 18 years, research published after 2011 and research where subjects practiced pilates for at least eight consecutive weeks. Results: Six studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the literature review. All included studies examined the effect of pilates exercise on balance in patients with multiple sclerosis. They lasted 8 or 12 consecutive weeks. The subjects were divided into control and research groups, where the research groups performed pilates exercises, and the control groups received standardized exercises, relaxation, massage, or received the usual treatment from a medical doctor. Five studies found statistically significant differences in balance compared to baseline measurements, but there were no statistically significant differences in scores between the Pilates and standardized exercise groups. Discussion and conclusion: Based on the results, we can conclude that pilates exercise can affect the improvement of balance in patients with multiple sclerosis. Positive effects on balance were also found in standardized exercise for patients with multiple sclerosis, with no statistically significant differences compared to groups that performed pilates exercise. In order to diversify the program, it would make sense to include pilates exercises in the physiotherapy program for patients with multiple sclerosis. Limitations of the included studies were small study samples, unassessed long-term effects of pilates, and insufficiently supervised implementation of exercise at home.
|
