Effect of hybrid FES exercise on body composition during the sub-acute phase of spinal cord injury

PLoS ONE, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0262864 · Published: January 24, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Physiology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study looked at how a special type of exercise, using electrical stimulation to help move leg muscles during rowing (FESRT), affects body composition in people who recently had a spinal cord injury. The researchers compared FESRT to standard care, which included arm exercises or no exercise, to see if it could prevent increases in body fat and loss of muscle mass. The study found that FESRT helped maintain muscle mass and bone density better than standard care, suggesting it could be a useful way to improve body composition after a spinal cord injury.

Study Duration

6 months intervention, 6 months crossover

Participants

31 patients with sub-acute SCI (3-24 months post-injury)

Evidence Level

Level 1, Randomized Clinical Trial

Key Findings

1
FESRT resulted in a significant increase in total and leg lean mass compared to standard of care.
2
FESRT led to a significant effect preventing a decrease in total bone mineral density and resulted in higher pelvis bone mineral density.
3
Participants who crossed over to FESRT after standard of care showed significantly lower HbA1C levels after training compared to baseline.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effects of FESRT on body composition in individuals within 24 months of SCI. The results indicated that FESRT significantly increased exercise capacity, lean mass, and attenuated bone mineral density loss compared to standard of care. The findings suggest that early intervention with FESRT may mitigate detrimental body composition changes associated with SCI.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

FESRT can be incorporated into rehabilitation programs for individuals with sub-acute SCI to help mitigate body composition changes.

Prevention of Secondary Complications

Preventing losses in lean mass and bone density through FESRT may reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and fractures in individuals with SCI.

Early Intervention

Initiating FESRT early after SCI may have more robust effects on body composition compared to delayed interventions.

Study Limitations

1
The study was limited by the difficulty of retaining a large number of SCI patients within the subacute phase of injury for up to a year.
2
The ability to exercise train individuals is limited by compliance.
3
The exclusion of older individuals and those with cardiovascular disease meant that our study population was in exclusively young healthy individuals.

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