VO2max in patients with chronic pain: Comparative analysis with objective and subjective tests of disability

AbstractObjectivesTo establish the level of maximal aerobic capacity in patients with chronic pain of different etiologies and to compare these results with different parameters of disability.Patients and methodsA cycloergometer exercise test with VO2max measurement, fatigue assessment and objective and subjective disability parameter testing was performed on 155 patients (mean age 42.1±9.9 years) classified into three groups: patients with chronic lower back pain, patients with an upper limb musculoskeletal disorder, and patients with multifocal chronic pain.ResultsThe mean VO2max value was 22.18 mL/min/kg. There was no statistically significant difference in VO2max between the three groups. The patients with poorest aerobic condition were older (P<0.007), were on sick leave longer (P<0.03), had weaker Sorensen test (P<0.01) and P.I.L.E. (P<0.004) results, had more perceived fatigue (P<0.04), a higher mean BMI (P<0.0001) and gained more weight during sick leave (P