This study evaluated the influence of a tailored aerobic exercise protocol on the functional outcome in ALS patients. In addition, the investigators compare some CPET variables collected during exercise testing in both groups.
This work aimed to evaluate the effects of a moderate aerobic exercise with controlled intensity determined by Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) and its role on the functional status in ALS patients versus standard care. Additionally, the investigators explored the performance of CPET variables - oxygen uptake (VO2) expressed in L/min, in percentage of predicted or in metabolic equivalents (METs) at peak effort, at anaerobic threshold (AT), the respiratory compensation point (RCP) when achieved, Dioxide Carbon output in L/min (VCO2) and the minute ventilation in L/min (VE) throughout the study. Assessments:(diagnostic visit - T0), at study entry (T1) and 6 months after (T2) using: Functional status by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R), Respiratory function tests (RFT): Forced Vital Capacity predicted (%FVC) and Oxygen saturation provided by pulse oximetry. CPET was performed in both groups at study entry and 6 months later (T1 and T2), using a treadmill (WOODWAY®) coupled with a gas exchange analyzer (METALYZER® 3B) with ergo-spirometry system using a breath-by-breath technology developed by CORTEX® systems. Intervention: G1(Interventional group) performed moderate exercise protocol two times/week in a treadmill in the lower range of the training zone determined by CPET + standard care (range of motion exercise, gait and balance training under continuous pulse oximetry observation). G2 (control group) performed a standard care exercise program at home or at other rehabilitation units without pulse oximetry observation.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
48
A standard care program based on American Academy of Neurology guidelines (Range Of Motion (ROM) exercises, gait and balance training )at home or another rehabilitation units without intensity control.
A moderate exercise protocol two times per week in a treadmill in the lower range of the training zone determined by Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing, monitored by continuous pulse oximetry evaluation.
Functional decline between start and end of the study
It was used the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale - Revised (ALSFRS-R),which rates the functionality of the ALS patients in performing activities involving 4 different areas through 3 sub-scores - bulbar, spinal \[upper and lower limb\] and also the respiratory function. Each of its questions is rated from 0 (total inability) to 4 points (no functional limitation). The last three questions address the respiratory function (dyspnea, orthopnea, respiratory insufficiency) and assess the respiratory functional outcome. The sub-scores rating: Bulbar sub-score between 0 - 12, the spinal score between 0 - 24 and the respiratory sub-score between 0 - 12.The sum of the sub-scores provide an ALSFRS-R total score = 48. Higher values represent a better functionality.
Time frame: between baseline and 6 months later
Performance of Cardiopulmonary Exercise testing variables throughout the study
Changes on the oxygen uptake (VO2peak) measurement following an aerobic exercise protocol compared to standard care.
Time frame: at study entry and 6 months later.
Changes on the Dioxide Carbon output (VCO2) measurement
Changes on the Dioxide Carbon output (VCO2) following an aerobic exercise protocol compared to standard care.
Time frame: at study entry and 6 months later
Changes on the Minute Ventilation (VE) measurement
Changes on Minute ventilation (VE) following an aerobic exercise protocol compared to standard care.
Time frame: at study entry and 6 months later
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