Spiroergometric and spirometric parameters in patients with multiple sclerosis: are there any links between these parameters and fatigue, depression, neurological impairment, disability, handicap and quality of life in multiple sclerosis?

One-hundred and twelve patients with multiple sclerosis were selected as population-based sample and examined on impairment (Expanded Disability Status Scale), disability (Barthel Index), handicap (Environment Status Scale), the quality of life (Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life), fatigue (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory Score), respiratory function (spirometric parameters on spirometry) and physical fitness (spiroergometric parameters on a bicycle ergometer). The aim of the study was to examine and analyse (descriptive statistics) spiroergometric and spirometric parameters in patients with multiple sclerosis. Firstly, we tested the hypothesis whether spiroergometric and spirometric parameters are decreased and whether there are any correlations between these parameters and measures of impairment, depression, disability, handicap and quality of life. Secondly, we tested the hypothesis whether there is any correlation between a possible deconditioning and fatigue, and between a possible respiratory dysfunction and fatigue in multiple sclerosis. It results from this study that many spiroergometric parameters in patients with multiple sclerosis are significantly lowered in comparison to the population norm. A link can be found between some spiroergometric parameters and neurological impairment, disability, handicap and quality of life. It is not possible to prove any correlation between spiroergometric parameters and depression. From the spirometric parameters, these are expiratory flows that are significantly lowered in MS patients. It is not possible to prove any correlation between spirometric parameters and fatigue, depression, neurological impairment, duration of the disease, disability, handicap and quality of life in multiple sclerosis.