Cardiopulmonary and metabolic functions, aerobic capacity, fatigue and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this study were to evaluate cardiopulmonary and metabolic functions in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to clarify the relationship between these functions and neurological deficits, respiratory involvement, fatigue and quality of life.


METHODS
Twenty-five patients with MS and 15 healthy controls were included in the study. Cardiopulmonary and metabolic responses to maximum exercise were investigated with an electronically braked arm crank ergometer. A computerized gas analysis system collected and analysed expired gases during exercise.


RESULTS
In the present study, significant respiratory muscle weakness, and decreased aerobic performance and cardiopulmonary and metabolic responses to maximum exercise were determined in patients with MS.


CONCLUSIONS
As respiratory muscle function plays a strong role in aerobic capacity and in most of the cardiopulmonary and metabolic responses to exercise, measurement of respiratory muscle strength and endurance should also be carried out in the MS population.
Koseoglu
B F
BF
Ankara Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Education and Research Hospital, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Unit, Ankara, Turkey. tkoseoglu@yahoo.com
Gokkaya
N K O
NK
Ergun
U
U
Inan
L
L
Yesiltepe
E
E
D000328:Adult; D002302:Cardiac Output; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D015444:Exercise; D005080:Exercise Test; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018763:Muscle Fatigue; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014797:Vital Capacity