Validity of Maximal Exercise Testing in People With Multiple Sclerosis and Low to Moderate Levels Disability

Background. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing can be considered the gold standard for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness. Little is known about the criteria for maximal exercise testing in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and how these criteria behave across different levels of neurological disability. Objective. The study objectives were to determine the criteria for maximal exercise testing across various levels of disability and to assess concomitant subgroup differences in measures related to the participant, disease, and function. Design. This was a cross-sectional study. Methods. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was conducted with a sample of 56 participants with MS. Analysis of variance was used to assess the criteria in participants with MS and low, mild, and moderate levels of disability. Results. Mean peak oxygen consumption (VO