Comparing the aerobic demand of various pieces of accessible exercise equipment in individuals with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Current research in the effectiveness of different aerobic exercise modalities for individuals with MS is incomplete. The primary aim of this study is to compare the aerobic response of six selected pieces of accessible exercise equipment at a moderate intensity, as indicated by the current exercise guidelines for individuals with MS. Exercise equipment preference was evaluated using a questionnaire. Participants (n=10) performed a steady-state exercise test on an arm ergometer, arm-leg recumbent stepper, body weight supported treadmill, arm-leg functional electrical stimulation (FES) recumbent stepper, arm FES cycle ergometer, and leg FES cycle. The average VO2 (mlkgmin-1) was recorded on each piece of equipment. Here, the body weight support treadmill, arm leg FES recumbent stepper, and the arm leg stepper were significantly more aerobically demanding than the arm ergometer (p<.05). Further, there were no differences in pain (p> .05), safety (p> .05), enjoyment (p >.05), or anticipated adherence to exercise guidelines in duration (p >.05) or frequency (p> .05). In this study, all forms of accessible aerobic exercise were equally aerobically demanding and preferred in individuals with MS, with the exception of the arm ergometer being less aerobically demanding.