Arterial stiffness in persons with multiple sclerosis and controls: Does aerobic fitness account for group differences?

Vascular function is worse in multiple sclerosis (MS) than healthy controls perhaps based on differences in aerobic fitness. We compared carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and augmentation index (AIx75) between MS and controls while accounting for aerobic fitness. Aerobic fitness was measured as peak oxygen consumption on a recumbent stepper. cfPWV and AIx75 were measured using applanation tonometry. Persons with MS demonstrated lower aerobic fitness and higher cfPWV, but no difference in AIx75 compared with controls. The difference in cfPWV remained statistically significant after controlling for aerobic fitness, suggesting that arterial stiffness might reflect underlying pathophysiology processes of MS.