Aerobic reserve capacity in multiple sclerosis-Preliminary evidence

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Aerobic reserve capacity (ARC) quantifies available energy for daily activities, previously studied in older adults.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease impacting physical function.
• Assessing ARC in MS populations is crucial for understanding energy limitations and rehabilitation potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the feasibility of measuring aerobic reserve capacity in ambulatory individuals with MS.
• To investigate the relationship between ARC and various clinical, cognitive, and functional outcomes in MS.
• To provide proof of concept for ARC as a relevant metric in MS research.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-one ambulatory individuals with MS underwent maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET).
• Aerobic reserve capacity was calculated as the difference between peak aerobic power (VO2peak) and resting oxygen consumption (VO2).
• Participants completed standardized assessments including disability (EDSS), cognition (SDMT), mood (BDI), walking endurance (6MWD), and walking speed (T25FW).

Main Results:

• Aerobic reserve capacity averaged 9.3 ± 3.7 ml/kg/min in the study cohort.
• ARC demonstrated positive associations with peak aerobic power (VO2peak), time to exhaustion, and cognitive function (SDMT).
• Negative correlations were observed between ARC and Body Mass Index (BMI) and Resting Heart Rate (RHR).

Conclusions:

• Aerobic reserve capacity is a feasible and measurable outcome in individuals with MS using maximal CPET.
• ARC is associated with key clinical indicators, including cognitive performance and physiological measures.
• ARC holds potential as a significant outcome measure for future MS rehabilitation research.