Effects of Respiratory Muscle Training on Baroreﬂex Sensitivity, Respiratory Function, and Serum Oxidative Stress in Acute Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Journal of Personalized Medicine, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11050377 · Published: May 5, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Pulmonology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates if respiratory muscle training (RMT) can help patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) improve their breathing, heart function, and reduce oxidative stress. Forty-four patients with acute cervical SCI were enrolled. Twenty received 40-minute high-intensity home-based RMT 7 days per week for 10 weeks, while 24 did not receive RMT. The study found that RMT improved cardiovascular autonomic function and inspiratory muscle strength. It also helped in reducing breathing difficulties and oxidative stress.

Study Duration

10 weeks intervention, 6 months follow-up

Participants

44 adults with acute cervical SCI (20 received RMT, 24 did not)

Evidence Level

Prospective trial

Key Findings

1
Cardiovascular autonomic function, particularly the heart rate response to deep breathing, significantly improved in the RMT group at the 6-month follow-up.
2
The maximal inspiratory pressure improved significantly after RMT, indicating enhanced inspiratory muscle strength.
3
Levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), a measure of oxidative stress, decreased significantly after RMT.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the effects of respiratory muscle training (RMT) on pulmonary and cardiovascular autonomic function and ROS production in adults with acute cervical SCI. The most important study ﬁnding was the improved cardiovascular autonomic function in patients with acute cervical SCI who received RMT. High-intensity home-based RMT can improve pulmonary function and endurance and reduce breathing difﬁculties in SCI patients with respiratory muscle weakness.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

High-intensity home-based RMT is recommended for rehabilitation programs to improve pulmonary function and endurance in patients with acute spinal cord injury.

Cardiovascular Health

RMT can improve cardiovascular autonomic function, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications following spinal cord injury.

Oxidative Stress Reduction

RMT may help reduce oxidative stress in patients with acute cervical SCI, which can contribute to improved overall health and recovery.

Study Limitations

1
The study was not a randomized blind control study.
2
The study examined only the short-term (12 weeks) effects of RMT.
3
There is no real evidence of a causal relationship between RMT and reactive oxidative species.

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