NCT07504120 · University of Illinois at Chicago
The Effect of Remotely Delivered Pilates on Physical , and Psychological Outcomes in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis
(MS)
What this study is about
Objectives Objective 1: To determine the effects of a 16-week remotely delivered Pilates intervention on walking endurance, walking speed, balance, fatigue, and pain compared to a waitlist control group in individuals with MS.
View original scientific description
Objectives Objective 1: To determine the effects of a 16-week remotely delivered Pilates intervention on walking endurance, walking speed, balance, fatigue, and pain compared to a waitlist control group in individuals with MS. Objective 2: To examine the impact of a 16-week remotely delivered Pilates intervention on depression \& anxiety, cognitive function, and QOL compared to a waitlist control group in individuals with MS. Aim Aim 1: To assess whether the 16-week remotely delivered Pilates intervention significantly improves walking endurance, walking speed, balance, fatigue, and pain compared to a waitlist control group in individuals with MS Aim 2: To investigate whether the 16-week remotely delivered Pilates intervention significantly improves depression \& anxiety, cognitive function, and QOL compared to a waitlist control group in individuals with MS. Hypothesis Hypothesis 1: The 16-week remotely delivered Pilates intervention will significantly improve walking endurance, walking speed, balance, fatigue, and pain compared to a waitlist control group in individuals with MS. Hypothesis 2: Participants receiving the 16-week remotely delivered Pilates intervention will demonstrate significantly greater improvements in depression \& anxiety, cognitive function, and QOL compared to a waitlist control group in individuals with MS.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Pilates
REMOTLY PILATES EXERCISE
Primary outcome measures
Change from baseline in walking endurance (Six-Minute Walk Test distance)
Time frame: Baseline and 16 weeks (end of treatment)
Distance walked during the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) will be measured in meters. The outcome is the change from baseline to 16 weeks in 6MWT distance.
Change from baseline in walking speed (Timed 25-Foot Walk)
Time frame: Baseline and 16 weeks (end of treatment)
Walking speed will be assessed using the Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW). The outcome is the change from baseline to 16 weeks in time to walk 25 feet, measured in seconds.
Change from baseline in balance (Berg Balance Scale)
Time frame: Baseline and 16 weeks (end of treatment)
Balance will be assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), a 14-item performance-based measure of static and dynamic balance. Each item is scored from 0 to 4, and the outcome will be the change from baseline to 16 weeks in the BBS total score (range 0-56), with higher scores indicating better balance and lower risk of falls.
Change from baseline in fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale)
Time frame: Baseline and 16 weeks (end of treatment)
Fatigue will be measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), a 9-item questionnaire assessing the impact of fatigue on daily functioning. Each item is rated from 1 to 7, and the outcome will be the change from baseline to 16 weeks in the FSS mean score (range 1-7), with higher scores indicating more severe fatigue.
Change from baseline in pain (Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire)
Time frame: Baseline and 16 weeks (end of treatment)
Pain will be measured using the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). The outcome is the change from baseline to 16 weeks in SF-MPQ total score.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age 18 years or older
- Self-reported diagnosis of multiple sclerosis by a neurologist
- Relapse-free for the past 30 days before screening
- Able to speak and read English as the primary language
- Access to the internet and e-mail,
- Ability to use Zoom, and willingness to complete testing sessions and questionnaires
- Ambulatory without an assistive device (for example, cane)
- Low to moderate disability, defined as a score of 0-4 on the Patient-Determined Disease Steps (PDDS)
- Insufficiently active, defined as a score \< 14 on the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire-Health Contribution Score (GLTEQ-HCS)
- Adequate visual ability and literacy to read materials printed in 14-point font
- Currently treated with a disease-modifying therapy
Exclusion criteria
- Elevated risk for strenuous or maximal exercise, defined as more than one "Yes" response on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) during screening
Where
- Chicago, Illinois
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations