Investigation of pulmonary function, physical activity and functional capacity of people with early-stage relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A controlled study

Background

Although the respiratory function, physical activity, and functional capacity of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) decrease with the progression of the disease, there is not enough information about these parameters in early-stage people with Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS). This study aims to compare the respiratory function, physical activity, and functional capacity of low-disability people with RRMS who have no symptoms with healthy individuals.

Methods

Forty people with RRMS aged 18–60 and 40 healthy individuals with similar demographic characteristics were included in the study. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were used to determine respiratory functions, physical activity level, and functional capacity, respectively.

Results

The average age of people with RRMS and healthy individuals was 37.60 ± 9.20 and 37.88 ± 11.7 years, respectively (p > 0.05). The median (min–max) value of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was 1 (1–3). When comparing the groups, FEV₁/FVC values were higher, and FVC ( % predicted), PEF, PEF (% predicted), MVV and MVV ( % predicted) values were lower in the MS group (p < 0.05). While functional capacity was found to be low in people with MS (p < 0.05), there was no difference between the two groups in terms of physical activity levels (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Respiratory functions and functional capacity are affected in people with RRMS from the early stages. Therefore, respiratory and functional capacity should be addressed from the early stages in the evaluation, medical treatment, and rehabilitation programs for people with MS.