EFFECTS OF RESPIRATORY TRAINING ON HEART RATE VARIABILITY AND BAROREFLEX SENSITIVITY IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC SPINAL CORD INJURY

Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 2018 · DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2017.06.033 · Published: March 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Physiology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigated whether respiratory training (RT) could improve heart and blood vessel control in people with long-term spinal cord injuries (SCI). The researchers measured breathing capacity, heart rate changes, and blood pressure regulation before and after a four-week RT program. The study found that RT improved breathing, increased heart rate variability, and enhanced the body's ability to regulate blood pressure in response to stress.

Study Duration

4 weeks

Participants

24 chronic SCI patients in RT group, 20 untrained chronic SCI controls

Evidence Level

Before-after intervention case-controlled clinical study

Key Findings

1
Respiratory training significantly increased FVC and FEV1 in the RT group compared to controls.
2
Sympathetically and parasympathetically mediated baroreflex sensitivity both significantly increased during 5s MEP after respiratory training.
3
Improved autonomic control over HR during orthostatic stress was associated with significantly increased sympathetic and parasympathetic modulation.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the effects of pressure threshold respiratory training (RT) on heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity in persons with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The results indicate that inspiratory-expiratory pressure threshold RT is a promising technique to positively impact both respiratory and cardiovascular dysregulation observed in persons with chronic SCI. The study found that a four-week RT protocol utilizing inspiratory and expiratory training can lead to significant increases in pulmonary function outcomes, BS, and HRV as well as better cardiovascular response during orthostatic stress test.

Practical Implications

Pulmonary Disease Risk Reduction

RT can reduce the risk of developing SCI-induced pulmonary disease by improving the ability to overcome airway obstruction and increasing respiratory endurance.

Baroreflex Deconditioning Reversal

Deconditioning of the baroreflex induced by SCI can be reversed by RT, which may serve as a protective measure to maintain respiratory-cardiovascular health.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

RT has the potential to improve pulmonary function and cardiovascular regulation in persons with SCI, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

EFFECTS OF RESPIRATORY TRAINING ON HEART RATE VARIABILITY AND BAROREFLEX SENSITIVITY IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC SPINAL CORD INJURY

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Pulmonary Disease Risk Reduction

Baroreflex Deconditioning Reversal

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Study Limitations

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EFFECTS OF RESPIRATORY TRAINING ON HEART RATE VARIABILITY AND BAROREFLEX SENSITIVITY IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC SPINAL CORD INJURY

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Pulmonary Disease Risk Reduction

Baroreflex Deconditioning Reversal

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?