Background: Respiratory muscle dysfunction is a recognized complication of multiple sclerosis (MS) and may contribute to functional decline. Sarcopenia related to neurological impairment may further impair respiratory muscle performance in MS. This study aimed to investigate the association between sarcopenia and respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength, and respiratory muscle endurance in patients with MS. Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional observational study. In this study, 52 MS patients (26 sarcopenic, 26 non-sarcopenic) were evaluated. Sarcopenia was assessed using the SARC-F questionnaire, handgrip strength, bioelectrical impedance analysis, calf circumference, and walking speed (6-m walk test). Pulmonary function was evaluated using spirometry. Respiratory muscle strength was assessed using maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP, MEP), and respiratory muscle endurance was evaluated using a constant-load test. Results: Respiratory muscle endurance (p 0.05). Conclusions: Sarcopenia is associated with reduced respiratory muscle endurance and respiratory capacity in patients with MS. These findings suggest that respiratory muscle endurance assessment may help identify sarcopenic MS patients who warrant further respiratory evaluation. Incorporating respiratory muscle endurance assessment into routine evaluation and rehabilitation strategies may be beneficial in sarcopenic MS patients.
Cerezci et al. (Wed,) studied this question.