Cardiopulmonary exercise performance and factors associated with aerobic capacity in neuromuscular diseases

Introduction/Aims Aerobic deconditioning, due to lower levels of physical activity, could impact independence for people with neuromuscular conditions. We report the maximal cardiopulmonary response in a cohort of people with Charcot Marie Tooth disease type 1A (CMT 1A) and inclusion body myositis (IBM). We also explored potential predictors of aerobic capacity with measures of physical impairment and functional performance.

Methods Participants underwent maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) using a semi-recumbent cycle ergometer. Data were analyzed to determine the peak O2 consumption (VO2 peak), anaerobic threshold (AT), maximum heart rate (MHR), ventilatory equivalent for CO2 slope (VE/VCO2), and respiratory exchange ratio (RER). Impairment, functional and patient reported measures were also recorded. Predicted CPET variables were calculated based on published normative data for age, gender, and weight.

Results Twenty-two people with CMT and 17 people with IBM were recruited. Both groups showed significantly lower VO2 peak, MHR, AT, and VE/VCO2. The CMT group overall performed better than the IBM group, with significantly higher VO2 peak, MHR, and AT, but lower VE/VCO2. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that VO2 peak was related to body fat percentage and 6-min walk distance for both groups, and steps per day for the IBM group.

Discussion Lower than predicted CPET variables were observed that were not explained by cardiopulmonary limitations or reduced effort, implicating peripheral factors in limiting the cycling task. Regression analysis implied prediction of VO2 peak by body fat percentage and 6-min walk distance. Six-minute walk distance could be a potential proxy measure of cardiopulmonary fitness.