Influencing psychological well-being through pilates exercises during the Covid-19 pandemic in people with multiple sclerosis

Background The period of the Covid-19 pandemic was also very challenging for people with chronic neurological disease (multiple sclerosis) who already suffer from increased levels of depression and anxiety due to the nature of their illness. They may also have reduced levels of self-efficacy due to disability. Objective The aim of the pilot study was to test whether a telerehabilitation programme of Pilates exercises could improve psychological wellbeing in people with multiple sclerosis. Methods The online Pilates exercise programme was scheduled for 12 weeks (2 times a week for 45 minutes of Pilates exercise combined with 30 minutes of aerobic activity based on participants preferences). The participants’ psychological well-being were measured before and after exercise programe with the patient reported outcomes Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and General Self-efficacy Scale. Results There were no significant changes in the evaluated parameters after the three-month telerehabilitation program. Conclusion Therefore it is possible that a similar online exercise program could help maintain psychological wellbeing in people with a chronic neurological disease such as MS. However, this needs to be tested in a larger sample of individuals.