Is there a relationship between respiratory function and trunk control and functional mobility in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis?

OBJECTIVE: Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes impairment of respiratory function, trunk control, and functional mobility. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between functional mobility and respiratory function and trunk control in MS patients and to compare the findings with those in healthy individuals.

METHODS: Thirty MS patients and 30 healthy subjects were included in this case-control study. All participants were evaluated with a pulmonary function test, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP, MEP), core stability tests, a lumbopelvic stability test (LST), a 2-minute walk test (2MWT), and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG). The disability level of the MS patients was assessed with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

RESULTS: Respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength, trunk control, and functional mobility were lower in the MS patients than in the controls ( p  < 0.05). TUG values had a significant negative correlation and the 2MWT values had a significant positive correlation with MEP, core stability tests, and the LST ( p  < 0.05). Of the variance in the 2MWT distance, 69% was explained by the LST, EDSS, and MEP; of the variance in TUG time, 40% was explained by the EDSS and MEP ( p  < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: To preserve and develop functional mobility in MS patients, approaches to increase respiratory function and trunk control should be included in rehabilitation programs.

CLINICALTRIALS.GOV REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03826095.