Comparison of pulmonary functions and physical fitness levels in individuals with multiple sclerosis and healthy individuals

The study aimed to investigate the comparison of pulmonary function and physical fitness levels in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis and healthy individuals. The study included 34 individuals with MS with "Expanded Disability Status Scale" EDSS scores of ≤ 6.5 and 34 healthy individuals of similar age and gender. Respiratory function was measured by spirometer, inspiratory muscle strength by respiratory muscle strength meter, inspiratory muscle endurance by ascending threshold loading test, biseps brachii and kuadriseps femoris muscle strength by biseps brachii and kuadriseps femoris muscle strength; digital dynamometer, cardiorespiratory endurance; 6 Minutes Walking Test, flexibility; sit and reach test and back scratch test and balance; with post urography device. There were significant differences between the MS group's respiratory function test and inspiratory muscle strength measurement parameters, right and left biseps brachii brachii and kuadriseps femoris femmoris muscle strength, 6 Minutes Walking Test walking distance and expected percentage, static balance parameters in eight different postures, stability and fall index parameters and the values of the healthy group (p<0,05). As a result of our study, respiratory and physical fitness parameters in individuals with MS were lower than healthy individuals and all respiratory parameters were associated with the 6 Minute Walking Test and significant positive relationships were observed especially with FVC and FEV1 values, muscle strength and 6MWT walking distance. In this sense, we think that appropriate evaluation and treatment plans should be made by considering the effects of these factors in physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs specific to MS individuals and developing them.