Virtual Strategies for the Broad Delivery of High Intensity Exercise in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury: Ongoing Studies and Considerations for Implementation

Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 2021 · DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.703816 · Published: August 6, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Telehealth & Digital Health

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to metabolic issues managed by exercise, similar to the non-injured population. Optimizing exercise intensity is key for improving metabolic health in individuals with SCI. Virtual platforms offer a way to overcome barriers to exercise access, delivering high-intensity exercise broadly despite the limited availability of specialized exercise professionals. This review discusses the need for high-intensity exercise in SCI patients, the advantages of virtual platforms for delivery, safety considerations, and strategies for monitoring virtual high-intensity exercise.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Persons with Spinal Cord Injury

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Circuit resistance training (CRT) shows improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and blood lipids in SCI patients.
2
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has the potential to enhance health and fitness in the SCI population.
3
Virtual exercise (VEX) can overcome structural barriers to exercise for people with SCI, allowing specialists to deliver population-specific exercise services regardless of location.

Research Summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in metabolic co-morbidities that can be managed by exercise, with exercise intensity likely allowing for fruitful optimization of interventions targeting metabolic health. Virtual platforms overcome certain access barriers while allowing for broad distribution of high intensity exercise despite the limited number of population-specific exercise specialists. The review discusses the need for high intensity exercise strategies in persons with SCI, the advantages and logistics of using virtual platforms, safety and risk mitigation, and strategies and technologies for delivery and monitoring.

Practical Implications

Increased Accessibility

Virtual exercise platforms can increase access to specialized exercise programs for individuals with SCI, overcoming barriers such as transportation and inaccessibility of facilities.

Improved Health Outcomes

Delivering high-intensity exercise virtually can lead to improved cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and blood lipid profiles in individuals with SCI.

Personalized Exercise

Virtual platforms allow for the monitoring and adaptation of exercise programs to meet the unique safety and implementation needs of individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Technological requirements for accessing virtual exercise platforms exclude certain people without internet access or necessary devices.
2
Safety precautions must be taken when conducting virtual exercise due to the increased risk for autonomic dysreflexia, hypotension, and other complications.
3
Paucity of research investigating efficacy of HIIT in persons with SCI.

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