ROLE OF A PILATES-BASED TRAINING IN ASSOCIATION WITH SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES ON MENTAL HEALTH IN SUBJECTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Aims: The aims of the study are (i) to assess the effects of a Pilates-based training on mental health in subjects with Multiple Sclerosis (MS); (ii) to understand the role of socio-demographic variables in such a relationship. Scholars reported the efficacy of a Pilates protocol in terms of physical functions in persons with MS (Freeman et al., 2010). Previous research highlight the efficacy of physical training on mental health in women with MS (Roppolo, Mulasso, et al., 2013). Currently no study report the effects of a Pilates training on psychological health in MS. Method: 19 subjects with MS (11 F) participated to the study. The mean age of participants was 45.5 (±12) years. The whole group was subdivided in a experimental group (EG, N=9) and in a control group (CG, N=10). EG performed a Pilates-based training intervention for 5 months, twice a week (1h per session), while CG performs just static stretching. Participants were tested in baseline and post-test. Psychological assessments were made using the MSQOL-54 questionnaire, in addition to socio-demographic variables. Quality of life and Physical functions composite indices were used for the analyses. Scales reliability was good (.7<Cronbach’s α<.9). Statistical analyses were made using linear hierarchical regression models. Results: Significant associations were found among participation to the training and outcomes: Quality of life (p< .01; β= .61; R2= .33) and Physical functions (p= .01; β= .58; R2= .30). In both cases were computed hierarchical regressions, adding socio-demographic variables (gender, educational level, modification of work due to MS). Models showed a better fit, with an increase of R2 of .35 on Quality of life and of .36 on Physical functions. The three additional steps resulted significant in both models, with single R2 increase comprised between .1 and .19. Conclusion: Data show a significant and positive relations between the participation on a Pilates-based training in terms of Quality of life and Physical functions. Furthermore hierarchical regression analyses demonstrate that socio-demographic variables play a significant role in such a relationships. This results add specific knowledge on Pilates training effects on mental health. Finally, the study highlight the importance to take into consideration also socio-demographic aspects in the conceptualization and analysis of models. References: Freeman, J. A., Gear, M., Pauli, A., Cowan, P., Finnigan, C., Hunter, H., Thain, J. (2010). The effect of core stability training on balance and mobility in ambulant individuals with multiple sclerosis: A multi-centre series of single case studies. Multiple Sclerosis, 16(11), 1377–1384. Roppolo, M., Mulasso, A., Gollin, M., Bertolotto, A., & Ciairano, S. (2013). The role of fatigue in the associations between exercise and psychological health in Multiple Sclerosis: Direct and indirect effects. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 6(2), 87–94.