Abstract General Information

Title

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN VITAL CAPACITY AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES IN INDIVIDUALS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) have disabilities resulting from the demyelination of sensory and motor pathways. These include reduced lung volumes and capacities, balance impairments and walking speed (WS) limitations.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the association between vital capacity (VC), balance and WS in individuals with MS.

Methods: Cross-sectional observational study (CAAE 57417322.8.0000.5134), with the following inclusion criteria: diagnosis of MS confirmed by a neurologist, minimum age of 18 years and expected performance according to the level of education in the Mini-Mental State Examination. Individuals who scored above 6.5 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), had another neurological disease or conditions that made it impossible to perform the tests were excluded. VC was assessed using the Wright ventilometer, balance using the Timed Up And Go Test (TUG) and WS using the 10-meter Walk Test (10-mWT).

Results: We included 30 individuals aged between 24 and 70 years (41±10), mean time since diagnosis of 5 years (±4.9), most of whom were female (n=20; 66%) and with relapsing-remitting MS (n=25; 83%). The average CV found was 3,6 ±0,7L, the average usual speed in the 10-mWT was 1.0±0.3 m/s and the average maximum speed was 1.6±0.5m/s. The mean time taken to perform the TUG was 9.10±3.2s. Significant correlation (p<0.05) of low magnitude was found between VC and balance (s=-0.42; p=0.025), as well as between VC and usual WS (s=0.42; p= 0.023). No correlation was found between VC and maximum WS.

Conclusion: The reduction in VC is associated with worse performance in the TUG and usual WS in individuals with MS. More studies are needed to assess whether interventions aimed at improving lung function can interfere with functional outcomes in individuals with MS.

Area

Multidisciplinary care