[Fatigability evaluation on multiple sclerosis patients by using a hand held dynamometer].

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Exercise Physiology

Context:

• Fatigue is a prevalent and disabling symptom reported by individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Objective assessment of exercise-induced fatigability in MS is crucial for understanding its impact on daily function.
• Hand grip exercises using a dynamometer provide a standardized method to evaluate muscle fatigability.

Purpose:

• To investigate and quantify exercise-induced fatigability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• To compare the isometric and isotonic hand grip exercise performance and fatigability between MS patients and a healthy control group.
• To assess the recovery of muscle strength after exercise in both groups.

Summary:

• This study evaluated fatigability in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients using hand grip isotonic and isometric exercises with a dynamometer.
• Results indicated that fatigability, isometric strength, and recovery time were statistically similar between the MS group and the control group.
• Despite subjective complaints of fatigue, objective measures suggest normal physiological response to exercise-induced exertion in MS.

Impact:

• The findings suggest that exercise-induced fatigability and recovery may not be significantly impaired in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
• This research could inform the development of targeted exercise programs for MS patients, focusing on managing subjective fatigue rather than physiological limitations.
• Understanding objective fatigability responses can help differentiate between subjective fatigue and actual physiological capacity in MS management.