Serotonin 1A agonist and cardiopulmonary improvements with whole-body exercise in acute, high-level spinal cord injury: a retrospective analysis

Eur J Appl Physiol, 2021 · DOI: 10.1007/s00421-020-04536-w · Published: February 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether Buspirone, a serotonin agonist, can improve the effectiveness of exercise training for individuals with acute, high-level spinal cord injuries (SCI). These injuries often lead to breathing difficulties and reduced exercise capacity. The research compared two groups of SCI patients undergoing six months of functional electrical stimulation (FES) rowing training: one group also took Buspirone, while the other did not. The results showed that the group taking Buspirone experienced greater improvements in peak oxygen consumption and ventilation compared to the control group, suggesting that Buspirone may enhance the benefits of exercise in this population.

Study Duration

6 Months

Participants

21 patients with acute high-level SCI (C4-T3)

Evidence Level

Retrospective Analysis

Key Findings

1
Patients on Buspirone demonstrated greater increases in peak oxygen consumption compared to the control group (+0.24 ± 0.23 vs. +0.10 ± 0.13 L/min, p=0.08).
2
There was a significantly greater increase in peak ventilation after training in the Buspirone group compared to the control group (+6.5 ± 8.1 vs. −0.7 ± 6.9 L/min, p < 0.05).
3
Changes in respiratory function correlated to increased peak tidal volume in the Buspirone group (r>0.66, p<0.05).

Research Summary

This study investigated the effect of Buspirone, a serotonin agonist, on cardiorespiratory adaptations to FES-exercise training in individuals with acute, high-level SCI. The results suggest that Buspirone may enhance cardiorespiratory adaptations to FES-row training in those with an acute, high-level SCI. The strong relationship between changes in aerobic and ventilatory capacities confirms some of our previous findings suggesting that improved pulmonary function may allow for improved aerobic exercise capacity in these individuals.

Practical Implications

Improved Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Combining whole-body exercise with Buspirone could potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory events.

Enhanced Ventilatory Efficiency

Buspirone may improve ventilatory efficiency in individuals with acute high-level SCI.

Synergistic Treatment Approach

The study suggests the value of combined pharmacotherapy and exercise for functional improvements in SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The retrospective nature of the present study has inherent limitations.
2
Despite an important effort to match the subjects by age, TSI, injury level and Asia scale for each of them (Table 1), we could not always find the perfect control match.
3
Another possible limitation is the unknown effect of Buspirone as an anti-anxiety medication on exercise capacity.

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