Pilates can serve as a rehabilitative support in the management of patients with multiple sclerosis. A recent review conducted by researchers from several Egyptian universities and published in BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation assessed the effectiveness of Pilates-based programs on mobility, balance, gait, fatigue, and quality of life.
The Study
The analysis included 22 randomized controlled trials, encompassing a total of 901 adults with multiple sclerosis, in which interventions of at least 4 weeks were compared to control groups. Most of the studies involved patients with relapsing-remitting MS and mild-to-moderate disability.
The primary outcome assessed was functional mobility, measured by the Timed Up and Go test. Among the secondary outcomes were balance, walking endurance, gait performance, fatigue, and multiple sclerosis–specific quality of life.
Overall, Pilates was associated with a significant improvement in functional mobility and balance, with an average increase of 8.58 points on the Berg Balance Scale. Some data also indicate benefits in the distance covered on the 6-minute walk test and fatigue scores, particularly in home-based or telerehabilitation–assisted programs.
The authors emphasized, however, the need for caution: several studies carried a moderate-to-high risk of bias, mainly due to methodological limitations in randomization, outcome handling, and adherence to the planned interventions.
Clinical Practice Takeaways
For general practitioners, neurologists, physiatrist physicians, and specialists involved in the management of multiple sclerosis, Pilates can be considered a complementary option in personalized rehabilitation pathways, especially for patients with mild-to-moderate disability. More robust studies are needed to define protocols, duration, and settings that are most effective.
Study
Nabil, Y., Mansour, A., Mohamed, A.A. et al. Comparative effects of pilates-based interventions on functional mobility, balance, fatigue, and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 18, 307 (2026).
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