Ventilatory efficiency and aerobic capacity in people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized study

To assess ventilatory efficiency and aerobic capacity in people with multiple sclerosis and whether treadmill walking or progressive strength training has an effect on these parameters in this population.

In all, 24 adults with multiple sclerosis with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of ≤6 completed a cardiopulmonary exercise test before and after 8 weeks of exercise. They were randomized to treadmill walking of low-to-moderate intensity (50%-70% of peak heart rate) or progressive strength training (six repetitions × two at 80% of one repetition maximum). Both groups exercised for 30 min three times per week. Primary outcome measure was ventilatory efficiency measured as the minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO₂) ratio and oxygen uptake efficiency slope. Secondary outcome was aerobic capacity, measured as peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak).

Despite low aerobic capacity, ventilatory efficiency was found to be within normal range. After 8 weeks of exercise, no significant between-group differences emerged in (1) VE/VCO₂ ratio (26 ± 2.2 to 26 ± 2.0, 29 ± 2.0 to 28 ± 2.3, p = 0.66), (2) oxygen uptake efficiency slope (2697 ± 442 to 2701 ± 577, 2473 ± 800 to 2481 ± 896, p = 0.71), or (3) VO_2peak in mL/kg/min (28 ± 4.4 to 30 ± 4.3, 29 ± 6.7 to 29 ± 6.4, p = 0.38) in treadmill walking and progressive strength training, respectively. There were no significant within-group differences either. No adverse events occurred during cardiopulmonary exercise test or exercise training.

In people with mild-to-moderate multiple sclerosis, 8 weeks of treadmill walking of low-to-moderate intensity or progressive strength training did not have any effect on ventilatory efficiency or aerobic capacity. Although aerobic capacity was lower than reference values, ventilatory efficiency was not reduced.