Improved pulmonary function is associated with reduced inflammation after hybrid whole-body exercise training in persons with spinal cord injury

Experimental Physiology, 2023 · DOI: 10.1113/EP090785 · Published: March 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Pulmonology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigated whether a 12-week exercise program using functional electrical stimulation (FES) rowing could improve lung function and reduce inflammation in people with recent spinal cord injuries. The results showed that the FES rowing exercise improved lung function and reduced white blood cell counts, which are markers of inflammation. The degree of lung function improvement was linked to the reduction in inflammatory markers, suggesting that reducing inflammation may be key to improving lung health in this population.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

21 participants with sub-acute (≤2 years) spinal cord injury (SCI)

Evidence Level

Randomized controlled trial, Retrospective analysis

Key Findings

1
Twelve weeks of FES rowing exercise improves pulmonary function in persons with sub-acute SCI.
2
FESRT reduces WBC in persons with sub-acute SCI.
3
The potency of FESRT to augment pulmonary function may depend on adequate suppression of systemic inflammation.

Research Summary

This study examined the effect of 12 weeks of Functional Electrical Stimulation Rowing Training (FESRT) on systemic inflammation and pulmonary function in individuals with sub-acute Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). The key findings indicated that FESRT led to clinically significant improvements in both FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second) and FVC (Forced Vital Capacity), alongside a reduction in White Blood Cell (WBC) count, a marker of systemic inflammation. Furthermore, the study revealed a significant inverse relationship between changes in FEV1 and both hsCRPlog (log transformed high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) and WBC, suggesting that the extent of pulmonary function improvement is linked to the degree of systemic inflammation suppression.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

FESRT can be incorporated into rehabilitation programs to improve pulmonary function and reduce inflammation in individuals with sub-acute SCI.

Inflammation Management

Targeting systemic inflammation may enhance the effectiveness of exercise interventions for improving pulmonary outcomes in SCI patients.

Exercise Prescription Optimization

Future research should focus on optimizing exercise prescriptions to maximize anti-inflammatory responses and improve respiratory health in SCI populations.

Study Limitations

1
Limited assessment of pro-inflammatory biomarkers.
2
Physical activity level, dietary intake, and use of ibuprofen was not controlled for.
3
Retrospective analysis of a randomized control trial.

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