Lundgaard E; Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway;
Kraggerud H; Hamre C; Wouda M

Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 58:jrm44817, 2026 Jul 23.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate lung function and ventilatory response during
cardiopulmonary exercise testing in adults with cerebral palsy and assess
the relationship between perceived breathlessness and breathing reserve at
maximal exertion.

DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional study. Inclusion period October
2023-June 2024.

SUBJECTS: Adults with spastic cerebral palsy, Gross Motor Function
Classification Score (GMFCS) I-III (n = 100).

METHODS: Spirometry and cardiopulmonary exercise testing were conducted.
Ventilatory response during exercise was assessed via tidal volume and
respiratory rate. Perceived breathlessness was compared with breathing
reserve at maximal exertion.

RESULTS: 89 participants completed all tests (GMFCS I = 62, GMFCS II =
20, GMFCS III = 7); 90% had lung function within normal limits. Age- and
sex-adjusted maximal oxygen uptake was lowest in group III (p < 0.01). At
maximal exertion, 70% had breathing reserve < 20%, indicating ventilatory
limitation. Breathing reserve did not significantly differ between those
who did and did not report breathlessness as the limiting factor at
maximal exertion. Tidal volume and respiratory rate showed expected values
at maximal exertion.

CONCLUSION: Lung function was normal in most participants, yet
ventilatory limitations were common during maximal exercise. Perceived
breathlessness was not related to breathing reserve at maximal exertion.