Investigation of the Musculoskeletal and Respiratory System Factors Affecting Functional Capasity in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, characterized by demyelination, myelin damage, axonal loss and gliosis in the Central Nervous System (CNS). MS symptoms vary depending on the affected area in the CNS. Some of the clinical symptoms are: spasticity, fatigue, loss of muscle strength, tremor, balance problems, exercise intolerance, pain, sensory disorders, bladder and bowel problems, cognitive disorders, depression and sleep disorders. The symptoms seen in MS disease negatively affect the daily life activities of individuals and cause a decrease in their quality of life.

Cardiopulmonary fitness relates to the ability to perform dynamic, moderate to high-intensity exercise of large muscle groups for extended periods of time.

Performance in this type of exercise depends on the functional state of the cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems. Functional exercise capacity in MS patients is impaired compared to healthy individuals and is significantly associated with factors at all levels of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model. A decrease in aerobic capacity may manifest itself as a decrease in walking distance or speed or a limitation in daily living activities. Decreased aerobic capacity is associated with many factors such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease, decline in cognitive functions and decrease in health-related quality of life. In this respect, aerobic capacity measurement is one of the important physiological measurements in terms of evaluating the existing functional status of individuals and preparing rehabilitation programs appropriately for individuals.

According to studies in the literature, functional capacity in MS patients has been found to be related to many individual-specific and disease-related factors. In addition, examining the musculoskeletal system factors that may affect functional capacity and investigating their contributions to functional capacity will be guiding in planning the rehabilitation programs of patients.

Studies investigating factors affecting functional capacity in MS patients are insufficient in number. In our study, the contributions of balance, core muscle strength, trunk muscle structure and upper extremity functions to functional capacity in MS patients will be investigated. Many factors that may be related to functional capacity have been investigated in the literature. However, it has been seen that there is a need for studies on the effects of these factors on functional capacity using regression models.