Effects of functional electrical stimulation assisted rowing on aerobic fitness and shoulder pain in manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2016 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772315Y.0000000052 · Published: January 1, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigated whether a 6-week program of rowing with electrical stimulation of the legs (FES) could improve fitness and reduce shoulder pain in manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI). The participants performed 30 minutes of FES-assisted rowing, 3 days a week for 6 weeks, and were evaluated for aerobic fitness, shoulder pain, and other measures. The results showed improvements in rowing distance, arm power, aerobic fitness, and a decrease in shoulder pain, suggesting that FES-assisted rowing can be an effective exercise for this population.

Study Duration

6 weeks

Participants

Ten adults with SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Participants increased distance rowed by 257 ± 266 m and increased arm power output by 6.7 ± 7.9 W.
2
An 8% increase in VO2 peak and 10.5 ± 4.4 point decrease in shoulder pain were observed.
3
Qualitative interviewing indicated overall enjoyment of the intervention and improvement in perceived quality of life.

Research Summary

This study aimed to determine if a 6-week FES-assisted rowing intervention could improve aerobic fitness and decrease shoulder pain in manual wheelchair users with SCI. The results indicated significant improvements in rowing distance, arm power output, aerobic fitness (VO2 peak), and a notable decrease in shoulder pain. The study concludes that FES-assisted rowing is effective in improving aerobic fitness and reducing shoulder pain in manual wheelchair users with SCI, suggesting it as a valuable exercise option for this population.

Practical Implications

Exercise Alternative

FES-assisted rowing can be considered as an alternative or supplementary exercise to improve aerobic fitness and reduce shoulder pain in manual wheelchair users with SCI.

Rehabilitation Program

FES-assisted rowing can be integrated into rehabilitation programs for individuals with SCI to enhance their physical well-being and quality of life.

Device Design Improvement

Further improvement of the ergometer design is needed to facilitate independent use without external assistance, such as incorporating a motor-driven footplate.

Study Limitations

1
The mechanism for the reduction in shoulder pain requires further study as measures of upper extremity strength and muscle activation did not change significantly.
2
The relatively short intervention period of 6 weeks may not have been sufficient to observe changes in body composition or thigh lean mass.
3
The study utilized battery-powered stimulation units limited to 100mA, which may have been insufficient to progress stimulated leg force sufficiently.

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