Abstract
Numerous protocols provide exercise test data for subsequent cardiovascular exercise prescription for the general public. No accepted test exists for those with neurologic disability, specifically multiple sclerosis (MS). The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an original graded exercise test protocol using a Schwinn Air-Dyne ergometer on visual acuity, oral temperature, hand grip strength, 25' timed walk, tandem stand time, and Course Quantitative Rating (CQR) in 39 MS participants at the Jimmie Heuga Center, Avon, Colorado, and to use the protocol data as the basis for a cardiovascular exercise prescription. Subjects exercised at 25 watt increments in 2-min stages until they exceeded a clinical estimate of anaerobic threshold as demonstrated by attainment of respiratory threshold, and/or a Relative Perceived Exertion of > 17, and/or 85% of age-adjusted predicted maximum heart rate. There were no significant differences in pre- and post-test values in any variable, except a significant decrease in oral temperature in men with an EDSS ≤ 3.5. These observations indicate that this protocol provides a valid submaximal test to estimate cardiovascular fitness and also provides a basis for a cardiovascular exercise prescription in MS persons (MSP). Furthermore, these data indicate that MSP exercising at an appropriate training intensity should not experience significant or persistent neurologic symptoms.