Respiratory muscle function and exercise capacity in multiple sclerosis

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) show a poor exercise tolerance. A reduction in respiratory muscle strength has also been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether reduction in exercise tolerance was related to respiratory muscle dysfunction. Twenty four multiple sclerosis patients (mean +/- SD age: 48 +/- 9 yrs, duration of illness 12.2 +/- 6 yrs, severity of illness as assessed by Expanded Disability Scale Score (EDSS) 5.3 +/- 2), underwent detailed evaluation of lung function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, and exercise test on an arm ergometer. Sixteen of the 24 patients were able to perform the exercise test (Group I), whilst the other eight were not (group II). Arterial blood gases and lung function tests were normal for both groups. Respiratory muscle strength as assessed both by maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) was significantly reduced (MIP 18-76 cmH2O; MEP 16-82 cmH2O) compared to predicted values. Inspiratory muscle endurance time was significantly reduced in Group II in comparison to Group I (247 +/- 148 vs 397 +/- 154 s, respectively). Both MIP and MEP were significantly related to inspiratory muscle endurance time. Endurance time, MIP and MEP were inversely significantly related to duration of illness, whilst only endurance time was significantly related to Expanded Disability Scale Score.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

This article has been cited by other articles:

				A. Rampello, M. Franceschini, M. Piepoli, R. Antenucci, G. Lenti, D. Olivieri, and A. Chetta Effect of Aerobic Training on Walking Capacity and Maximal Exercise Tolerance in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Crossover Controlled Study Physical Therapy, May 1, 2007; 87(5): 545 - 555. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				K Rasova, E Havrdova, P Brandejsky, M Zalisova, B Foubikova, and P Martinkova Comparison of the influence of different rehabilitation programmes on clinical, spirometric and spiroergometric parameters in patients with multiple sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis, April 1, 2006; 12(2): 227 - 234. [Abstract] [PDF]

				J Kileff and A Ashburn A pilot study of the effect of aerobic exercise on people with moderate disability multiple sclerosis Clinical Rehabilitation, February 1, 2005; 19(2): 165 - 169. [Abstract] [PDF]

				A Romberg, A Virtanen, S Aunola, S-L Karppi, H Karanko, and J Ruutiainen Exercise capacity, disability and leisure physical activity of subjects with multiple sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis, April 1, 2004; 10(2): 212 - 218. [Abstract] [PDF]

				R. v. Klaveren, T. Buyse, L. V. D. Gaer, J. Meekers, F. Rochette, and M. Demedts Micturitional Disturbances Are Associated With Impaired Breathing Control in Multiple Sclerosis Chest, June 1, 1999; 115(6): 1539 - 1545. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. I. HARIK-KHAN, R. A. WISE, and J. L. FOZARD Determinants of Maximal Inspiratory Pressure . The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., November 1, 1998; 158(5): 1459 - 1464. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. C. Quick and R. T. Schapiro Population Dynamics of the Disability Status Scales for Multiple Sclerosis Neurorehabil Neural Repair, January 1, 1996; 10(2): 127 - 134. [Abstract] [PDF]