Background: The aim of this prospective randomized controlled trial was to investigate if a short-term endurance or combined endurance/resistance exercise program was sufficient to improve aerobic capacity and maximum force in adult patients (18–65 years) with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: All patients performed a three-month exercise program consisting of two training sessions per week, lasting 40 min each, with moderate intensity. All patients had a maximum value of 6 (low to moderate disability) on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). One group (combined workout group (CWG); 15 females, 4 males) completed a combined endurance/resistance workout (20 min on a bicycle ergometer, followed by 20 min of resistance training), while the other group (endurance workout group (EWG); 13 females, 5 males) completed a 40 min endurance training program. Aerobic capacity was assessed as peak oxygen uptake, ventilatory anaerobic threshold, and workload expressed as Watts. Maximum force of knee and shoulder extensors and flexors was measured using isokinetic testing. Quality of life was assessed with the SF-36 questionnaire, and fatigue was measured using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale. Results: Both training groups increased in aerobic capacity and maximum force. EWG, as well as CWG, showed improvement in several subscales of the SF-36 questionnaire and decrease of their fatigue. Conclusion: A short exercise intervention increased both aerobic capacity and maximum force independent of whether endurance or combined endurance/resistance workouts were performed.

BACKGROUND: Physical capacity (PC) and quality of life (QoL) are both reduced in multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: Aim of our study was to investigate limitations in PC and QoL in response to the severity of MS. METHODS:The study involved 60 patients (PG) (Expanded Disability Status Scale EDSS 0-3:38, EDSS 3.5-6:22) and 48 healthy controls (CG). Endurance capacity was assessed as peak oxygen uptake (VO 2peak ) and ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT). Maximum force was measured in isokinetic testing. QoL was assessed using the SF-36-questionnaire and HALEMS. RESULTS: Patients with MS showed reduced VO 2peak and QoL in comparison with CG. Patients with an EDSS >3 showed reduced VO 2peak , and maximum force, however at the VAT there was no significant difference independent of the EDSS. The MS-specific QoL HALEMS and subscales 1, 4, 6, 8 and the physical sum score of the SF-36-questionnaire were evaluated to be better in patients with an EDSS ≤3. CONCLUSIONS: There are limitations within PC in patients with MS in comparison with a healthy CG; within the PG there are notes on a similar aerobic capacity but worsened anaerobic capacity in patients with an EDSS >3. This should be taken into account in future treatment strategies for training therapy.

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