Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the oxygen uptake (VO2) during walking at
different speeds in people with multiple sclerosis is underestimated by available
prediction equations and whether such underestimation relates to the validity of
their assumptions. DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparison. SUBJECTS: Eighteen adults
with MS and 18 adults without MS. METHODS: VO2 was measured at rest and during
treadmill walking at 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 mph with open-circuit spirometry. The
actual VO2 was compared with that estimated by both the American College of
Sports Medicine and the van der Walt and Wyndham equations. RESULTS: The
differences between the actual VO2 and that estimated by both equations were
significantly higher than zero across speeds for both groups (p < 0.001). The
underestimation increased with increasing speed (p < 0.001) for both groups and
was greater for participants with MS than those without MS (p < 0.011). The
inaccurate prediction by the American College of Sports Medicine formula was
associated with an underestimation of the net VO2 per meter (p < 0.001), and this
was higher for participants with MS (p < 0.007). CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation and
exercise professionals should recognize that the American College of Sports
Medicine and the van der Walt and Wyndham equations underestimate VO2 during
treadmill walking in individuals with and without MS.

Langue : ANGLAIS