Does Upper Extremity Training Influence Body Composition after Spinal Cord Injury?

Aging and Disease, 2015 · DOI: 10.14336/AD.2014.0912 · Published: August 1, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Physiology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to serious body composition adaptations characterized by increasing whole body fat mass and decreased soft tissue lean mass (LM). Exercise, an appropriate dietary regimen, and an active lifestyle may alleviate several of the negative effects on body composition after a SCI. In summary, the available evidence does not support the rationale that UE circuit resistance training can lead to positive adaptations in body composition after a SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review Article

Key Findings

1
SCI results in increased fat mass and decreased lean mass, leading to cardio-metabolic disorders.
2
Upper extremity circuit resistance training improves functional capacity, muscular endurance, power, and strength after SCI.
3
There is a lack of evidence supporting the benefits of UE resistance circuit training on body composition after a SCI.

Research Summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to serious body composition changes, with increased fat mass (FM) and decreased lean mass (LM), potentially causing cardio-metabolic disorders. Upper extremity (UE) circuit resistance training has been used to improve cardiovascular and metabolic parameters after a SCI; however the effects of UE circuit resistance training on body composition after a SCI is not well established. Available evidence suggests that UE resistance circuit training after SCI improves functional capacity, muscular endurance, power and strength, but lacks support for benefits regarding body composition.

Practical Implications

Home-Based Training

Upper extremity resistance training may be a simple method to overcome body composition adaptations after SCI and can be done at home.

Further Research

Further studies are warranted to investigate the effects of UE circuit resistance training on body composition after a SCI.

Customized Exercise Programs

Exercise programs for persons with a SCI should be customized based on the severity, level of injury and the age of the participants.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of established consensus on optimal exercise intensity, frequency, or duration for SCI individuals.
2
Most existing trials are considered underpowered because of small sample sizes and the heterogeneity of the studied population.
3
Physical and psychological barriers to exercise among individuals with SCI exist.

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