Effectiveness of Exercise Programs for Alleviation of Upper Body Pain in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review

J. Clin. Med., 2024 · DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113066 · Published: May 23, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Pain Management Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study examines how exercise helps reduce upper body pain in people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Upper body pain, especially in the shoulders and arms, is common for those with SCI. The researchers looked at 13 studies to see if exercise could improve muscle strength and lessen pain. They found that exercise does help reduce pain, especially shoulder pain, in SCI patients. The review highlights the need for more focused research on pain management through exercise and the development of better ways to measure pain in SCI patients.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and upper body pain, n= variable across 13 studies

Evidence Level

Systematic Review

Key Findings

1
Exercise interventions are effective in reducing pain in patients with SCI, with a particular emphasis on alleviating shoulder pain.
2
Moderate to high-intensity resistance exercises are particularly beneficial in reducing pain levels in the upper body.
3
Most studies included strength training, supporting the effectiveness of incorporating it into exercise programs for patients with SCI, irrespective of injury location or severity.

Research Summary

This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of exercise interventions in alleviating upper body pain among spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. The results provide substantial evidence supporting the efficacy of these interventions, demonstrating that moderate to high-intensity resistance exercises are particularly beneficial in reducing pain levels in the upper body. The findings highlight the potential for structured exercise programs to be incorporated as a key component of pain management strategies for SCI patients.

Practical Implications

Exercise as Pain Management

Structured exercise programs, particularly moderate to high-intensity resistance exercises, should be incorporated into pain management strategies for SCI patients.

Need for Better Pain Measurement

There is a need for the development of validated instruments capable of quantitatively assessing pain as a primary outcome in SCI research.

Individualized Exercise Programs

Exercise interventions should be tailored to individual patient needs based on the severity and type of injury, considering factors such as injury location and the presence of neuropathic or nociceptive pain.

Study Limitations

1
Researchers’ subjective biases in the selection and extraction of study data could not be completely eliminated.
2
Changes in pain were adopted and measured as secondary outcomes in most studies due to the subjective nature of pain
3
The review did not conclusively differentiate between neuropathic and nociceptive musculoskeletal pain

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