Changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and activity levels over the first year after discharge in ambulatory persons with recent incomplete spinal cord injury

This study looked at how cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and activity levels change in people with incomplete spinal cord injuries (SCI) during the first year after they leave the hospital. The study found that people with SCI were able to improve their CRF levels over the year, even though their activity levels didn't increase much. This suggests that even without significant increases in daily activity, people with SCI can still improve their fitness after completing inpatient rehabilitation.

• 1
  Participants showed a statistically significant increase in peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) over time, indicating improved cardiorespiratory fitness.
• 2
  The distance covered during a 6-minute walking test (6MWT) also significantly increased over time, reflecting improved walking capacity.
• 3
  Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) showed a statistically significant increase over time, while the increase in average daily steps did not reach statistical significance.