Affiliations: [a] Brain Center Rudolf Magnus and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| [b] Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands | [c] Department of Rehabilitation, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Correspondence:
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Correspondence to: Carin D. Schröder, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Tel.: +00 31 655234507; Fax: +00 31 88 75 55450; E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract: Background: Ambulatory patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) show a decreased aerobic capacity which may hamper the ability to perform activities of daily living. A standardized measure, however, for assessing aerobic capacity in patients with ALS during the disease course, is lacking. Objective: To examine the feasibility of the Åstrand-Ryhming (ÅR) test protocol longitudinally in ambulatory patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods: Seven ambulatory male patients with spinal ALS onset were assessed at baseline and at 4, 7 and 10 months’ follow-up. Feasibility of the ÅR test protocol was analysed using percentage of: a) completed ÅR tests; b) achieved steady states; and c) predefined heart rates. Results: Test completion decreased from 7/7 at baseline to 10/21 at follow-up due to ALS-related symptoms as fatigue, muscle weakness and cramps. Steady states and predefined heart rates were achieved in 12/17 and 17/17 of the completed tests, respectively. Overall, the feasibility of the ÅR test protocol declines from 5/7 at baseline to 7/21 at follow-up. Conclusions: The results suggest that changes in aerobic capacity in ambulatory patients with ALS could not be successfully monitored due to a diminished feasibility of the ÅR test protocol.
