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VO₂max in patients with chronic pain: the effect of a 4-week rehabilitation program
F Doury-Panchout1, J C Métivier2, B Fouquet3
1Service de médecine physique et réadaptation, CHU de Tours, 2, boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France.
Background:
In patients with chronic pain, aerobic deconditioning can explain part of observed disability and disadvantage. The objective of the present study was to assess the change in VO₂max after a four-week exercise rehabilitation programme in this population.
Methods:
In a prospective study, 121 patients underwent a cycle ergometer exercise tolerance test with VO₂max measurement before and after a four-week exercise rehabilitation programme (which included aerobic training, muscle strengthening, occupational therapy and stretching).
Results:
We observed a statistically significant increase in VO₂max (P=0.03) and an improvement in the patients' distribution according to the Shvartz fitness classification after rehabilitation.
Discussion:
The four-week exercise rehabilitation program was associated with an improvement in aerobic capacities in patients with chronic pain. However, in all but one of the 121 patients, the VO₂max value at the end of the program was below average for gender and age. Maintenance of aerobic training after the end of a rehabilitation programme is essential.
