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STUDY: Impact of a maximal endurance test on symptoms and walking capacity in MSers

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  • STUDY: Impact of a maximal endurance test on symptoms and walking capacity in MSers

    Impact of a maximal endurance test on perceived symptoms and walking capacity in persons with multiple sclerosis

    P. Van Asch1, F. Van Halewyck2, L. Vanschoenwinkel2, L. Moumdjian2, N. Velkeneers2, B. Op 't Eijnde2, I. Wens2, P. Feys2
    1Physiotherapy Center FIT UP, Kontich, 2REVAL-BIOMED, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium

    Background: Previous studies focusing on exercise in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) have indicated that temporary symptoms may occur particularly during endurance training.

    Goals: This study aimed to evaluate how a maximal endurance test and recovery period impact on perceived symptoms and walking capacity in pwMS.

    Methods: Forty-two pwMS with EDSS< 3 were recruted via MS centers and community based health care professionals. PwMS reported on the perceived severity of 10 symptoms or dysfunctions (fatigue, sensory function, balance, etc.) by means of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and repeatedly performed 6-Minute Walking Tests (6MWTs) before and after the maximal endurance test. The study was performed in partnership with Move to Sport Flanders, a non-for-profit organization focusing on education and sportive challenges for patients.

    Results: Perceived intensity of symptoms increased significantly immediately after the maximal endurance test (p< 0,0001), but normalized already after a 15 and 60 minute recovery period. PwMS ranked general fatigue as highest (4,5 ± 2,3), followed by muscle fatigue (3,6 ± 2,3). Muscle fatigue was the symptom with the strongest increase after the maximal endurance test, followed by general fatigue. However, there was no significant difference between the distance covered during the 6MWT before (575,1 ± 63,2 m) and 15 minutes after (577,5 ± 65,6 m) the maximal endurance test.

    Conclusion: Perceived intensity of symptoms in persons with MS increased considerably after a maximal endurance test, but returned to baseline values after a 15 minute-recovery period. Furthermore, the maximal endurance test had no impact on walking capacity in pwMS.

    Dave Bexfield
    ActiveMSers

  • #2
    Dave - so is this study saying that if you "go hard" in an endurance activity, you are more likely to trigger symptoms? And that if you find yourself with symptoms triggered by going hard in an endurance activity, just go easy for 15 min or so and you'll be back at baseline?

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    • #3
      I think you've got it. That was my general takeaway, too.
      Dave Bexfield
      ActiveMSers

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