Systemic Inflammatory Changes in Spinal Cord Injured Patients after Adding Aquatic Therapy to Standard Physiotherapy Treatment

Int. J. Mol. Sci., 2024 · DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147961 · Published: July 21, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Genetics Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to long-term inflammation, which can worsen the condition. This study looks at whether adding aquatic therapy to regular physiotherapy can help reduce this inflammation in SCI patients. The researchers measured levels of inflammatory substances (cytokines) in the blood of SCI patients at different points during a 12-week program, comparing those who received aquatic therapy at the beginning versus those who received it later. The study identified a specific set of cytokines that changed over the course of the physiotherapy programs, and also found that certain cytokines were linked to the patients' functional recovery.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

40 SCI patients

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The study identified a complex signature of five cytokines (IL-12p70, IL-8, MCP-1, IL-1α, and IP10) associated with the time course of the two physiotherapy programs.
2
Two other cytokines (IL-4 and TNF-α) were also associated with the functional recovery of patients.
3
Patients in Group 2 obtained greater improvements in the 6MWT, WISCI II, and TUG tests

Research Summary

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding aquatic therapy to standard physiotherapy treatment on systemic inflammation in SCI patients, also assessing the relationship between cytokine blood levels and changes in functionality. The study identified a complex signature of five cytokines (IL-12p70, IL-8, MCP-1, IL-1α, and IP10) associated with the time course of the two physiotherapy programs, and two other cytokines (IL-4 and TNF-α) were also associated with the functional recovery of patients. The findings can serve to establish guidelines and intervention protocols to optimise the rehabilitation of SCI patients, as inflammation is a relevant process in the pathophysiology of this condition.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Targets

The identification of specific cytokines associated with SCI and functional recovery can serve as potential therapeutic targets for novel interventions.

Optimized Rehabilitation Protocols

The findings can inform the development of optimized rehabilitation protocols for SCI patients, focusing on regulating systemic inflammation to decrease tissue and functional damage.

Personalized Physiotherapy Strategies

The study highlights the importance of developing new physiotherapy strategies that regulate the inflammatory response by focusing on target cytokines as a key monitor of functional recovery after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The number of participants included is relatively small.
2
The UT prescribed differed among participants, which could create potential cytokine level variability.
3
This study did not consider the pharmacological treatment specific to each patient.

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