Impact of upper-body ergometer rowing exercise on aerobic fitness and cardiometabolic disease risk in individuals with spinal cord injury: A 6-month follow-up study

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2024 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2023.2233820 · Published: July 18, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study examined whether the benefits of upper-body rowing exercise on aerobic fitness were maintained 6 months after a 12-week exercise program in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The researchers found that the improvements in aerobic fitness (POpeak and V̇ O2peak) were maintained at the 6-month follow-up in the exercise group, but there were no changes in cardiometabolic risk factors. This suggests that periodic exercise interventions can help individuals with SCI maintain their aerobic fitness levels, even if they don't continue exercising consistently.

Study Duration

6-month follow-up

Participants

Seventeen wheelchair-dependent participants with SCI.

Evidence Level

RCT follow-up

Key Findings

1
Improvements in aerobic fitness (POpeak and V̇ O2peak) achieved through upper-body rowing exercise were maintained at a 6-month follow-up in individuals with SCI.
2
There were no significant changes in traditional cardiometabolic risk factors (lipid profile, glycemic control, body mass, or resting arterial blood pressure) at the 6-month follow-up.
3
The maintenance of aerobic fitness was not associated with increased leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) levels.

Research Summary

This study investigated the long-term effects of a 12-week upper-body rowing exercise intervention on aerobic fitness and cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with SCI. The key finding was that improvements in aerobic fitness were maintained for at least six months after the intervention, supporting the use of periodic exercise interventions. However, no significant changes were observed in traditional cardiometabolic risk factors, suggesting that longer or more intense interventions may be needed to impact these outcomes.

Practical Implications

Periodic Exercise Interventions

Regular, shorter-term exercise programs can effectively maintain aerobic fitness gains in individuals with SCI.

Focus on Aerobic Fitness

Prioritize interventions aimed at improving aerobic fitness, as this appears to be a sustainable benefit.

Further Research Needed

Explore the optimal duration and intensity of exercise interventions to improve cardiometabolic risk factors in this population.

Study Limitations

1
The study did not influence or monitor exercise routines or physical activity behavior throughout the six months follow-up period.
2
The LTPAQ-SCI relies on participant recall, which may reduce the reliability.
3
Small, heterogenous sample size.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury