A Saskatoon pilates studio has teamed up with researchers at the University of Saskatchewan to examine whether pilates can have a positive impact on those living with Multiple Sclerosis.

“Pilates is a form of movement that really does not discriminate between what a person’s body is going through,” said Jana Danielson, owner of Lead Pilates and Lead Integrated Health Therapies.

The three-month study will start on January and is being funded by a $40,000 grant from the MS Society of Canada and is the first of its kind in Canada.

“The goal here is to help them regain maybe some lost mobility, some lost sensation, and just give them back the confidence to be able to do everyday activities that might have been disrupted by the disease,” Danielson said.

The trial will have two groups of 15 people each. One group will take a pilates class twice a week and receive massage therapy. The other control group will only receive massage therapy. Researchers will evaluate changes in walking ability, physical performance and quality of life between the two groups.

“It gives people hope,” Erin Kuan of the MS Society told CTV News. “They actually feel like they are contributing to learning more about how they can manage their disease and live well.”

Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world and the disease is very prevalent in Saskatchewan, with around 3,700 people living with MS in the province.

According to the MS Society, managing symptoms like fatigue balance and visual impairment is different for everyone.

“What’s always core is overall wellness,” Kuan said. “We know that can improve quality of life. Something as simple as improving your balance and being able to centre your focus, these are all things that pilates can certainly bring.”

If the study is successful, Lead Pilates plans to hold pilates classes designed specifically for people living with MS and create a teacher training program.

“We can take our learning and spread it across the country,” Danielson said.

The study is still looking for 10 more participants. It is open to anyone with an MS diagnosis.

Based on a report by CTV Saskatoon's Angelina Irinici