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Bilateral differences in lower-limb performance in individuals with multiple sclerosis
Rebecca D Larson1, Kevin K McCully, Daniel J Larson
1Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA. rdlarson@ou.edu
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
|June 14, 2013
Summary
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) show significant leg strength and exercise performance differences between limbs. This asymmetry in muscle strength and aerobic function may relate to disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Clinical observations indicate bilateral strength deficits in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Quantifying these asymmetries is crucial for understanding disease impact on physical function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify bilateral differences in lower-limb strength and metabolism during exercise in people with MS.
- To compare these asymmetries between individuals with MS and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Eight ambulatory individuals with mild MS (EDSS 2.6 ± 1.6) and seven non-MS controls underwent bilateral assessments.
- Evaluations included muscle strength testing and incremental cycling to measure peak oxygen uptake and workload.
Main Results:
- Individuals with MS demonstrated significant between-leg differences in leg strength (p < 0.05), peak oxygen uptake (p < 0.05), and peak workload (p < 0.05).
- Controls showed no significant between-leg differences (p > 0.05).
- The magnitude of asymmetry in MS was significantly greater than in controls, with differences up to 30% for strength and 66% for workload.
Conclusions:
- People with MS exhibit significant bilateral asymmetry in lower-limb strength and exercise performance.
- This asymmetry is more pronounced than in healthy individuals.
- Preliminary findings suggest a potential link between the degree of asymmetry and limitations in aerobic capacity.
