Relative Aerobic Load of Walking in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: To examine the energy demand of walking relative to aerobic capacity in people with multiple sclerosis.

Design: Cross-sectional cohort study.

Patients: A total of 45 people with multiple sclerosis (32 females), median disease duration 15 years (interquartile range (IQR) 9; 20), median Expanded Disability Status Scale 4 (min-max range: 2.0; 6.0).

Methods: Aerobic capacity, derived from a cardiopulmonary exercise test and gas exchange measurements, assessed during a 6-min overground walk test at comfortable speed, were analysed. The relative aerobic load of walking was determined as the energy demand of walking relative to oxygen uptake at peak and at the first ventilatory threshold. Healthy reference data were used for clinical inference.

Results: People with multiple sclerosis walk at a mean relative aerobic load of 60.0% (standard deviation 12.8%) relative to peak aerobic capacity, and 89.1% (standard deviation 19.9%) relative to the first ventilatory threshold. Fourteen participants walked above the first ventilatory threshold (31%). Peak aerobic capacity was reduced in 45% of participants, and energy demands were increased in 52% of participants.

Conclusion: People with multiple sclerosis walk at a relative aerobic load close to their first ventilatory threshold. A high relative aerobic load can guide clinicians to improve aerobic capacity or reduce the energy demands of walking.