title: Step-rate thresholds for physical activity intensity in persons with multiple sclerosis.
abstract: This study examined whether the relationship between metabolic equivalent units (METs) and step-rate is altered in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and developed step-rate thresholds for activity intensity for these persons. Participants were 24 persons with MS (20 women; age = 44 ± 12) and 24 healthy persons without MS (20 women; age = 41 ± 11). The MS group was divided using the 12-item MS Walking Scale (MSWS-12) into two walking impairment subgroups: (a) minimal (n = 13, MSWS-12 ≤ 12.5) and (b) mild-moderate (n = 11, MSWS-12 > 12.5). METs were measured with spirometry and step-rate with hand-tally. Step-rate, height, group, the step-rate by group interaction, and the square of step-rate significantly predicted METs. At a given height, the step-rate thresholds at 3 and 6 METs were lower for persons with minimal impairment than persons without MS and even lower for persons with mild-moderate impairment. The relationship between METs and step-rate is altered in persons with MS, lowering their step-rate thresholds for activity intensity, especially for persons with MS who have higher levels of walking impairment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology at Mississippi State University.
authors.forename: Stamatis
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Agiovlasitis
authors.forename: Robert W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Motl
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055686:Metabolic Equivalent; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013147:Spirometry; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*