Core stability exercises (a pilates type approach)

1 min read

A resource developed by TiMS (Therapists in MS)

MS can affect balance and mobility in a number of ways, causing difficulty with everyday activities such as carrying a drink while walking, climbing stairs or maintaining balance while reaching.

One element of balance is the ability to maintain a steady trunk whilst moving a limb. When we reach out an arm or take a step to walk, our nervous system switches on our muscles in a specific order, with trunk muscles contracting before limb muscles. This stabilises the body, ensuring that we are not pulled off balance by the moving arm or leg. This trunk steadiness is commonly known as 'core stability'. Training programmes, such as Pilates, exercise the 'core' muscles in a precise controlled manner with the aim of improving trunk stability.

• It is important to discuss the best approach to using these exercises with your physiotherapist before you start.
• Together you can develop a programme for your needs.
• You can then download the exercises to produce a programme to do at home.
• And follow your exercise session with a relaxation session

Download the core stability exercises (PDF, 8Mb)

These exercises are reproduced from a research study supported and facilitated by TiMS (Therapists in MS), with funding from the MS Trust.

With thanks to:

• Dr Jenny Freeman, Reader in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, and Margaret Gear, Neurophysiotherapist, who led the research on behalf of Therapists in MS Research Group
• All the people with MS who took part in the study.

• Relaxation
• Pilates with Jo Pritchard