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

Area of Science:

• Exercise physiology
• Neurology
• Rehabilitation medicine

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease affecting ventilatory and aerobic capacity.
• Assessing the impact of exercise interventions on these parameters is crucial for managing MS.
• Previous research indicates potential benefits of exercise, but specific effects on ventilatory efficiency and aerobic capacity in MS populations require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of an 8-week exercise program on ventilatory efficiency and aerobic capacity in adults with multiple sclerosis.
• To compare the efficacy of low-to-moderate intensity treadmill walking versus progressive strength training on these physiological parameters.
• To determine if these exercise interventions can improve exercise performance in individuals with MS.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four adults with MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale ≤6) underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing before and after an 8-week intervention.
• Participants were randomized to either treadmill walking (50%-70% peak heart rate) or progressive strength training (80% one repetition maximum).
• Both groups exercised for 30 minutes, three times per week, with primary outcomes being ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2 ratio, oxygen uptake efficiency slope) and aerobic capacity (VO2peak).

Main Results:

• After 8 weeks, neither treadmill walking nor strength training resulted in significant changes in ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2 ratio, oxygen uptake efficiency slope) or peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) compared to baseline or between groups.
• Ventilatory efficiency was within normal ranges, despite participants exhibiting lower than reference aerobic capacity.
• No adverse events were reported during the testing or training periods.

Conclusions:

• An 8-week program of either low-to-moderate intensity treadmill walking or progressive strength training did not significantly alter ventilatory efficiency or aerobic capacity in individuals with mild-to-moderate MS.
• The findings suggest that while aerobic capacity may be reduced in this population, their ventilatory efficiency is not necessarily impaired and is not improved by these specific exercise interventions.
• Further research may be needed to explore different exercise modalities, intensities, or durations for potential benefits in MS.