Cardiac, autonomic and cardiometabolic impact of exercise training in spinal cord injury: A qualitative review

J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev., 2021 · DOI: 10.1097/HCR.0000000000000564 · Published: January 1, 2021

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to cardiovascular complications, which are exacerbated by the duration of the injury and accelerated aging. This review explores the potential cardio-protective benefits of exercise training for individuals with SCI. The review compares the effects of exercise on individuals with low cardiovascular risk factors (low-CVRF) to those with high cardiovascular risk factors (high-CVRF), finding similar exercise-induced benefits in both groups. Exercise training has been shown to improve peripheral blood flow, left ventricular mass, peak cardiac output, lean body mass, antioxidant capacity, and endothelial function in individuals with SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

n = 31 in low-CVRF vs. n = 15 in high-CVRF

Evidence Level

Review of original studies

Key Findings

1
Exercise training does not alter autonomic function in individuals with SCI.
2
Exercise training increases peripheral blood flow and reverses the deleterious effects of deconditioning in individuals with SCI.
3
Training intensity, volume, and frequency are key factors determining cardiovascular gains from exercise training in SCI.

Research Summary

Cardiovascular complications are the result of the direct and indirect consequences of SCI. Years of accumulated relative inactivity lead to an accelerated aging and a high risk of CV death. Exercise training is a cornerstone of rehabilitation in SCI due to its potential cardio-protection. Although its effect on autonomic dysfunction seems to be lacking, exercise training does have an important role in counterbalancing the effect of deconditioning However, a major facet of exercise as underscored from current studies is that adequate training intensity, volume, and frequency are essential for CV gains.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

Exercise training should be a cornerstone of rehabilitation programs for individuals with SCI due to its cardioprotective benefits.

Exercise Prescription

Exercise prescriptions for individuals with SCI should focus on adequate training intensity, volume, and frequency to maximize cardiovascular gains.

Hybrid Training

Consider incorporating hybrid forms of exercise training (whole-body FES + arms) into rehabilitation programs to achieve greater improvements in VO2peak.

Cardiac, autonomic and cardiometabolic impact of exercise training in spinal cord injury: A qualitative review

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

Exercise Prescription

Hybrid Training

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Cardiac, autonomic and cardiometabolic impact of exercise training in spinal cord injury: A qualitative review

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

Exercise Prescription

Hybrid Training

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?