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Predicting exercise capacity through submaximal fitness tests in persons with multiple sclerosis
Ayse Kuspinar1, Ross E Andersen, Shang Yuan Teng
1School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada. ayse.kuspinar@mail.mcgill.ca.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|August 31, 2010
Summary
Peak oxygen consumption (Vo(2)peak) in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) is significantly reduced. Submaximal tests, like the step test and grip strength, effectively predict exercise capacity in MS patients, aiding in monitoring and intervention evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease affecting exercise capacity.
- Assessing maximal oxygen consumption (Vo(2)peak) is crucial for understanding fitness levels in MS.
- Submaximal exercise tests are often used as a proxy for maximal capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the predictive accuracy of submaximal tests for Vo(2)peak in persons with MS.
- To evaluate exercise capacity reductions in individuals with MS and mild disability.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 183 participants with MS from three clinics.
- A subgroup of 59 participants completed a maximal exercise test.
- Submaximal tests included a step test and grip strength measurement.
Main Results:
- Participants with MS exhibited significantly lower Vo(2)peak compared to healthy individuals.
- The step test and grip strength were identified as significant predictors of Vo(2)peak.
- Combined, body weight, grip strength, and the step test explained 74% of the variance in Vo(2)peak.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with MS, even with mild disability, show reduced exercise capacity.
- Submaximal tests are reliable predictors of exercise capacity in MS patients.
- These findings support the use of submaximal tests for clinical monitoring and research in MS.
