OBJECTIVES: 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. METHODS: 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% to 70% of peak heart rate) or progressive strength training (six repetitions x 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 (VO2peak). RESULTS: 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 (2,697 +/- 442 to 2,701 +/- 577, 2,473 +/- 800 to 2,481 +/- 896, p = 0.71), or (3) VO2peak 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. CONCLUSION: 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.

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