One year of training with FES has impressive beneficial effects in a 36-year-old woman with spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2017 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2015.1117192 · Published: January 1, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the impact of a year-long training program using Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) on a woman with a spinal cord injury (SCI). The training combined strengthening exercises and rowing, both assisted by FES. The study measured several factors including muscle strength, muscle size, bone density, and aerobic capacity before, during, and after the training program to see how much they improved. The results showed substantial improvements in all areas tested, suggesting that FES training can be a valuable tool for improving the health and well-being of individuals with SCI.

Study Duration

12 Months

Participants

One 36-year-old woman with complete SCI (T4-T5)

Evidence Level

Level 4, Case Report

Key Findings

1
The participant experienced a 151% increase in average evoked torque in the quadriceps muscles after one year of FES training.
2
Quadriceps muscle thickness increased by 136% and thigh circumference increased by 14% during the study.
3
Bone mineral density (BMD) at the femur neck increased by 19.4% after the 12-month FES training program.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effects of a 12-month FES training program (strengthening and rowing) on muscle strength, muscle thickness, bone mineral density, and cardiorespiratory function in a 36-year-old woman with complete SCI. The FES training program led to significant improvements in all measured parameters, including muscle strength, muscle thickness, BMD, and aerobic capacity. The findings suggest that FES training can be a valuable intervention for improving the health and well-being of individuals with SCI, particularly in reversing the negative effects of sedentary lifestyle.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation strategy

FES training can be integrated into rehabilitation programs for individuals with SCI to improve muscle strength and mass, bone density, and aerobic capacity.

Counteracting Sedentary Effects

FES training can help counteract the negative consequences of a sedentary lifestyle associated with SCI, such as muscle atrophy, bone loss, and cardiovascular deconditioning.

Personalized Training

The study highlights the potential of combining FES-strengthening and FES-rowing to optimize training outcomes based on individual needs and goals.

Study Limitations

1
Case study design limits generalizability
2
Single participant may not represent the broader SCI population
3
Lack of a control group makes it difficult to isolate the effects of FES training

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