Prediction of oxygen uptake during level treadmill walking in people with multiple sclerosis.

Abstract

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.