Maximal Aerobic Exercise of Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis Using Three Modes of Ergometry

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1995

Abstract

This study examined metabolic and cardiopulmonary responses during maximal effort exercise in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) using arm cranking (ARM), leg cycling (LEG), and combined arm/leg cycling (LEG/ARM). Ten individuals with MS were matched to ten, non-MS persons. Peak oxygen uptake (VO(2peak)) was determined via a leg/arm ergometer on 3 separate days. VO(2peak) was significantly higher for the non-MS group for the ARM and the LEG/ARM tests (p<.05), but not for the LEG test. Heart rate (HR) at peak exercise for the MS group was 89, 86 and 91% of age predicted maximal HR during ARM, LEG and LEG/ARM exercise, respectively. The non-MS group was able to reach 96% of its age-predicted HR(max) during all protocols. The addiditive physiologic responses during combined arm/leg ergometry could be advantageous for fitness training persons with MS by dispersing the exercise over a larger muscle mass, placing less stress on any one group. This may translate into improved endurance for ambulation and/or performance activities of daily living.

Journal Title

Clinical Kinesiology

Volume

49

Issue

1

First Page

4

Last Page

13

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