Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether aerobic capacity explains the level of
self-reported physical activity, physical functioning, and participation and
autonomy in daily living in persons with multiple sclerosis-related fatigue.
DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. PATIENTS: Sixty-two participants with multiple
sclerosis-related fatigue. METHODS: Aerobic capacity was measured with a leg
ergometer and was expressed as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max, in ml/kg/min).
Physical activity was measured with the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals
with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD), physical functioning with the Short Form 36
- physical functioning (SF36-pf), and participation and autonomy in daily living
with the Impact on Participation and Autonomy questionnaire (IPA). Multiple
regression analyses were performed, adjusted for potential confounders (gender,
age, body mass index, educational level, and employment status). RESULTS: Mean
maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was 23.9 ml/kg/min (standard deviation (SD) 6.3
ml/kg/min). There was no significant relationship between VO2max and physical
activity (PASIPD): beta = 0.320, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = -0.109 to
0.749, R2 = 10.8%. Higher VO2max correlated with better physical functioning
(SF36-pf): beta = 1.527, 95% CI = 0.820-2.234, R2 = 25.9%, and was significantly
related to IPA domains "autonomy indoors" (beta = -0.043, 95% CI = -0.067 to
-0.020, R2 = 20.6%), "autonomy outdoors" (beta = -0.037, 95% CI = -0.062 to
-0.012, R2 = 18.2%) and "social life and relationships" (beta=-0.033, 95% CI =
-0.060 to -0.007, R2 = 21.3%). CONCLUSION: Maximum aerobic capacity was severely
reduced in persons with multiple sclerosis-related fatigue. This partly explains
the limited physical functioning and restrictions in participation and autonomy
indoors, outdoors and in social life and relationships in these persons.

Langue : ANGLAIS