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Mucopolysaccharidosis patients have reduced functional capacity
Bianca M C Dias1, Fernanda C Lanza2, Jenifer Dos Santos3
1Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Introduction:
Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a group of rare diseases caused by an intralysosomal accumulation of glycosaminoglycans, resulting in a multisystemic clinical condition characterized by variable degrees of physical-functional impairment.
Objective:
To evaluate the functional capacity (FC) of MPS patients and compare with a healthy control group.
Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study of 6- to 39-year-old patients followed at a medical reference center and compared with their control peers, matched by age and sex. FC was assessed using the Sit-to-Stand Test (SST) and Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT). Heart rate (HR) and Borg rating of perceived exertion were measured before and after ISWT. HR recovery (HRR) was defined as the HR at the end of the test minus the HR in the second minute after ISWT.
Results:
Nineteen (19) MPS patients, 69% with type II MPS and mean age 17 ± 11 years were evaluated. Every patient was under enzyme replacement therapy. The time to perform the SST was longer in the MPS group (10.6 ± 2.5 s vs. 6.7 ± 1.2 s; p < .01). The MPS group achieved lower values of distance covered on the ISWT (407.6 ± 329.8 m vs. 1131.9 ± 183.3 m; p < .01), with a significantly higher Borg (6 [5-8] vs. 2 [1-4]; p = .02). The MPS group's HRR was slower than the controls (32.9 ± 20.2 beats per minute [bpm] vs. 69.1 ± 25.9 bpm; p < .001).
Discussion:
We observed a pronounced reduction in the MPS group's FC compared to their healthy peers and a worse HRR after completing the test.
Insights
Patients with Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) exhibit significantly reduced functional capacity and slower heart rate recovery compared to healthy individuals. These findings highlight the physical challenges faced by MPS patients, even with enzyme replacement therapy.
Area of Science:
- Rare diseases
- Metabolic disorders
- Genetics
Background:
- Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are rare genetic disorders.
- Characterized by the intralysosomal accumulation of glycosaminoglycans.
- Leads to multisystemic clinical conditions and physical-functional impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the functional capacity (FC) of MPS patients.
- To compare the FC of MPS patients with a healthy control group.
- To assess heart rate recovery (HRR) post-exercise in MPS patients.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 19 MPS patients (ages 6-39) and matched controls.
- Functional capacity assessed via Sit-to-Stand Test (SST) and Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT).
- Heart rate (HR) and Borg rating of perceived exertion measured during ISWT; HRR calculated post-test.
Main Results:
- MPS patients showed significantly longer SST times (p < .01).
- MPS patients covered less distance on ISWT (p < .01) and reported higher Borg scores (p = .02).
- MPS group exhibited slower HRR (32.9 bpm vs. 69.1 bpm; p < .001).
Conclusions:
- MPS patients demonstrate markedly reduced functional capacity compared to healthy peers.
- Impaired heart rate recovery was observed in MPS patients post-exercise.
- These findings underscore the significant physical limitations associated with MPS.
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