title: VO₂max in patients with chronic pain: the effect of a 4-week rehabilitation program.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In patients with chronic pain, aerobic deconditioning can explain part of observed disability and disadvantage. The objective of the present study was to assess the change in VO₂max after a four-week exercise rehabilitation programme in this population.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a prospective study, 121 patients underwent a cycle ergometer exercise tolerance test with VO₂max measurement before and after a four-week exercise rehabilitation programme (which included aerobic training, muscle strengthening, occupational therapy and stretching).
  
  
  RESULTS
  We observed a statistically significant increase in VO₂max (P=0.03) and an improvement in the patients' distribution according to the Shvartz fitness classification after rehabilitation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The four-week exercise rehabilitation program was associated with an improvement in aerobic capacities in patients with chronic pain. However, in all but one of the 121 patients, the VO₂max value at the end of the program was below average for gender and age. Maintenance of aerobic training after the end of a rehabilitation programme is essential.
authors.affiliation: Service de médecine physique et réadaptation, CHU de Tours, 2, boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France. Electronic address: florence.dourypanchout@gmail.com.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Doury-Panchout
authors.affiliation: Service de médecine physique et réadaptation, hôpital « Docteur Jean Delaneau », CHIC Amboise Château-Renault, rue Jules-Joran, BP 68, 37110 Château-Renault, France.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Métivier
authors.affiliation: Fédération universitaire inter-hospitalière de médecine physique et réadaptation, CHU de Tours, 2, boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fouquet
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies
keywords: Chronic pain; Deconditioning; Douleur chronique; Déconditionnement; Rehabilitation; Réadaptation; VO(2)max