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01-11-2020 | Multiple Sclerosis | Original Article

Effects of a cooling vest with sham condition on walking capacity in heat-sensitive people with Multiple Sclerosis

Authors: Alex Buoite Stella, Fulvio Pasquin, Shawnda A. Morrison, Maria Elisa Morelli, Alessandro Dinoto, Alessio Bratina, Antonio Bosco, Arianna Sartori, Fabiola Giudici, Paolo Manganotti

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 11/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Heat sensitivity is a common contraindication in people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS), and physical fatigue is one of the most frequently reported symptoms that can affect quality of life. Increases in body temperature may exacerbate fatigue and heat-related symptoms. Decreasing body temperature via cooling devices may mitigate disease symptoms and improve physical abilities and quality of life. This study evaluates the effects of a cooling vest with sham condition on walking capacity using a commercially-available cooling vest specifically designed for pwMS.

Methods

A counter-balanced, cross-over design was used to assess the effects of a cooling vest (CryoVest Comfort, CryoInnov, France) (COLD) from a menthol-induced sham condition (CON) on ground walking time to exhaustion (T_ex, s) and distance at exhaustion (D_ex, m) in ambulatory pwMS. Secondary outcomes were heart rate (HR, bpm), thermal sensation (Tsens), skin chest (Tchest) and back (Tback) temperature.

Results

Ten females with Multiple Sclerosis (59 ± 9 years, EDSS 3.0–5.5) participated to the study. During COLD, pwMS walked significantly longer (1896 ± 602 vs. 1399 ± 404 s, p < 0.001) and farther (1879 ± 539 vs. 1302 ± 318 m, p < 0.001) than CON. Importantly, Tsens and HR at exhaustion were not significantly different between conditions, although Tchest (− 2.7 ± 1.8 °C, p < 0.01) and Tback (− 3.9 ± 1.8 °C, p < 0.001) were lower at volitional fatigue during COLD.

Conclusion

The lightweight cooling vest improved total walking time and distance in heat-sensitive pwMS. These physiological improvements were likely due to feeling perceptually cooler in the COLD trial, compared to the corresponding point of fatigue in the CON condition.

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Title: Effects of a cooling vest with sham condition on walking capacity in heat-sensitive people with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Alex Buoite Stella
Fulvio Pasquin
Shawnda A. Morrison
Maria Elisa Morelli
Alessandro Dinoto
Alessio Bratina
Antonio Bosco
Arianna Sartori
Fabiola Giudici
Paolo Manganotti
Publication date: 01-11-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis
Fatigue
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 11/2020
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04478-3

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Springer Medicine

Effects of a cooling vest with sham condition on walking capacity in heat-sensitive people with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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