FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE AND FATIGUE PERCEPTION IN PEOPLE WITH HAM/TSP: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL INVESTIGATING THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF EXERCISE PROTOCOLS

Resumen

The sensorimotor changes resulting from HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) can negatively impact the functional performance of individuals with this type of myelopathy. A comparison between the Pilates Method and Task Oriented
Training (TOT) has not yet been carried out focusing on the rehabilitation of the functional performance of this population. Objective: To compare the therapeutic effects of a Pilates exercise program with TOT, regarding functional performance and fatigue perception in people living with HAM/TSP. Methods: A clinical trial was conducted involving individuals with HAM/TSP, randomized into a Pilates group and a TOT group. All participants were evaluated regarding balance, using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTtest), functional mobility, using the Timed Up and Go (TUG), balance while walking using the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), maximum
distance covered using the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and fatigue perception using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04830319). Differences were considered statistically significant when p<0.05. Results: 12 participants were allocated to the Pilates group and 10 to the TOT group. No significant differences were found regarding the therapeutic effects observed between participants. However, comparing results before and after intervention, regardless of therapeutic modality, indicated significant differences, with improvements observed in functional mobility, balance, maximum distance covered and fatigue perception, with
no changes observed in gait performance. Conclusion: the Pilates Method and Task-Oriented Training produce similar benefits regarding
functional performance and fatigue perception in people with HAM/TSP.