Lower-limb performance disparities: implications for exercise prescription in multiple sclerosis

The purpose of this study was to examine unilateral lower-limb exercise tolerance during fixed-load cycling to quantify performance disparities of the legs. Eight individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) and seven controls performed submaximal single-leg cycling. Individuals with MS performed significantly more work with the stronger leg than the weaker leg (stronger leg: 6.4 +/- 1.7 kJ, weaker leg: 4.7 +/- 2.5 kJ, p = 0.02). The control group displayed no statistical differences between limbs (p = 0.36). These results highlight a need for individualized exercise testing when prescribing training programs for those with MS.