Is Walking Capacity in Subjects with Multiple Sclerosis Primarily Related to Muscle Oxidative Capacity or Maximal Muscle Strength? A Pilot Study

Background and Purpose. Walking capacity is reduced in subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS). To develop effective exercise interventions to enhance walking capacity, it is important to determine the impact of factors, modifiable by exercise intervention (maximal muscle strength versus muscle oxidat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Multiple Sclerosis International 2014-01, Vol.2014 (2014), p.206-212
Main Authors: Eijnde, Bert O., Wens, Inez, Feys, Peter, Hansen, Dominique
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age
Analysis
Ataxia
Body composition
Care and treatment
Clinical Study
Complications and side effects
Exercise
Exercise therapy
Heart rate
Intervention
Multiple sclerosis
Muscle strength
Musculoskeletal system
Physical fitness
Physiological aspects
Reorganization and restructuring
Spasticity
Studies
Walking
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Summary:Background and Purpose. Walking capacity is reduced in subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS). To develop effective exercise interventions to enhance walking capacity, it is important to determine the impact of factors, modifiable by exercise intervention (maximal muscle strength versus muscle oxidative capacity), on walking capacity. The purpose of this pilot study is to discriminate between the impact of maximal muscle strength versus muscle oxidative capacity on walking capacity in subjects with MS. Methods. From 24 patients with MS, muscle oxidative capacity was determined by calculation of exercise-onset oxygen uptake kinetics (mean response time) during submaximal exercise bouts. Maximal muscle strength (isometric knee extension and flexion peak torque) was assessed on dynamometer. All subjects completed a 6-minute walking test. Relationships between walking capacity (as a percentage of normal value) and muscle strength (of knee flexors and extensors) versus muscle oxidative capacity were assessed in multivariate regression analyses. Results. The expanded disability status score (EDSS) showed a significant univariate correlation ( r = - 0.70 , P < 0.004 ) with walking capacity. In multivariate regression analyses, EDSS and mean response time, but not muscle strength, were independently related to walking capacity ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusions. Walking distance is, next to disability level and not taking neurologic symptoms/deficits into account, primarily related to muscle oxidative capacity in subjects with MS. Additional study is needed to further examine/verify these findings.
ISSN:2090-2654
2090-2662
DOI:10.1155/2014/759030