Systemic and Pulmonary Inﬂammation/Oxidative Damage: Implications of General and Respiratory Muscle Training in Chronic Spinal-Cord-Injured Patients

Biology, 2023 · DOI: 10.3390/biology12060828 · Published: June 7, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Pulmonology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries impact muscle control and the autonomic nervous system, affecting the cardiorespiratory system. This can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, increased adipose tissue, and low-grade inflammation/oxidative damage in the body and lungs. Lung malfunction is common in spinal cord injury patients. Physical exercise, especially involving large muscle groups, can improve lung function and reduce inflammation. Specific exercises targeting respiratory muscles may also be beneficial. It is hypothesized that speciﬁc PE for the respiratory musculature per se or in association with other general exercise protocols may positively contribute to the function of this tissue.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Narrative Review

Key Findings

1
Chronic spinal cord injury affects respiratory function, leading to decreased respiratory volumes, muscle weakness, and a tendency towards fibrosis in perithoracic muscles.
2
Spinal-cord-injured patients may show similar functional responses as patients classiﬁed as obstructive, due to decreased airway radius, lower respiratory muscle strength, lower thoracic excursion, as well as the difﬁculty in mobilizing secretions.
3
General and respiratory muscle training can improve metabolic dysfunction associated with systemic inﬂammation, and improve lung function parameters

Research Summary

Chronic spinal cord injury has far-reaching effects on respiratory function, including decreased lung volumes, muscle weakness, and airway obstruction, leading to reduced physical performance. Systemic inflammation and oxidative damage are common in spinal cord injury patients, contributing to cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary dysfunction. Exercise and dietary management can help mitigate these effects. General physical exercise and specific respiratory muscle training show promise as therapeutic strategies to improve lung function, reduce inflammation, and enhance physical performance in individuals with spinal cord injury.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

Integrating general and respiratory muscle training into rehabilitation programs can improve pulmonary function and reduce systemic inflammation.

Therapeutic Interventions

Exercise may serve as a therapeutic alternative to mitigate the metabolic dysfunction associated with systemic inflammation in SCI patients.

Further Research

Further studies are needed to fully understand the impact of exercise on pulmonary inflammation and oxidative damage in SCI patients.

Study Limitations

1
Technical limitations in studying tissue phenomena at the pulmonary level.
2
Low-grade inflammation/oxidative damage that favors long-term damage to the cardiovascular system.
3
More research is needed on general physical exercise and respiratory muscle training.

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