Cardiometabolic effects of high-intensity hybrid functional electrical stimulation exercise after Spinal Cord Injury

PM R, 2021 · DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.12507 · Published: September 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study looked at whether high-intensity exercise, using electrical stimulation to help move the legs, could improve heart and metabolic health in people with spinal cord injuries. The researchers measured things like how well the participants could use oxygen during exercise and whether they had risk factors for heart and metabolic diseases. The study found that while the exercise improved how well people used oxygen, it didn't significantly reduce the overall risk of heart and metabolic diseases in this group.

Study Duration

6 Months

Participants

40 individuals with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Combination of a randomized controlled trial and an open label intervention study

Key Findings

1
VO2max increased significantly (p<0.001) after the intervention, indicating improved aerobic capacity.
2
The prevalence of cardiometabolic disease did not significantly change (decrease from 22.5% to 20%, p=0.70).
3
A1C did significantly decrease over this time (p=0.01), though serum lipids and fasting glucose/insulin levels were unchanged.

Research Summary

This study assessed the effects of high-intensity, whole-body exercise on the prevalence of cardiometabolic disease in individuals with SCI using hybrid FES rowing for six months. The study found that while VO2max improved, the prevalence of cardiometabolic disease did not significantly decrease, and some lipid profiles worsened in certain subgroups. Adherence to exercise guidelines was low, with only one participant meeting the recommended exercise frequency and duration, suggesting challenges in implementing such guidelines in this population.

Practical Implications

Re-evaluate Exercise Guidelines

Current exercise guidelines may not be sufficient to address cardiometabolic disease in individuals with SCI, requiring a more nuanced approach.

Explore Combined Interventions

Combining exercise with diet modification or pharmacotherapy may be necessary to achieve meaningful changes in cardiometabolic health.

Personalized Exercise Programs

A priori identification of those who will improve cardiometabolic health with exercise will be important moving forward.

Study Limitations

1
Exercise compliance over the 6 months rarely met the recommended three times per week for 30 minutes.
2
The exercise intervention requires specialized equipment and assistance, which may have limited exercise frequency.
3
A larger number of enrolled participants may have detected a difference.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury