Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine the aerobic intensity level and pacing pattern during the
6-min walk test (6MWT) in persons with multiple sclerosis, taking into account
time of day, fatigue, disability level and multiple sclerosis subtype. DESIGN:
Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS: Eighty multiple sclerosis patients
(Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS </= 6.5). METHODS: Participants performed
the 6MWT at 3 different time-points (morning, noon, afternoon) during 1 day.
Heart rate and pacing strategy (distance covered every minute) were registered. A
sub-group analysis determined the effects of fatigue, disability level and
multiple sclerosis subtype. RESULTS: The relative aerobic intensity was constant
throughout the day (67 +/- 10% of estimated maximal heart rate). In all
sub-groups heart rate increased and distance walked declined after the first
minute (p < 0.001). The mild EDSS sub-group showed a slightly larger increase
throughout the 6MWT in heart rate development, while no differences were seen in
sub-groups of fatigue and multiple sclerosis subtype. In most sub-groups walking
speed was fastest in the first minute and constant during the final 4 minutes.
CONCLUSION: In patients with multiple sclerosis aerobic intensity is moderate
during the 6MWT and unaffected by time of day. Disability may have some influence
on aerobic intensity, but not on pacing strategy during the 6MWT, whereas neither
fatigue nor multiple sclerosis subtype has any effect.

Langue : ANGLAIS