Benefits and interval training in individuals with spinal cord injury: A thematic review

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2022 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2021.2002020 · Published: January 1, 2022

Simple Explanation

This review explores the potential of interval training, particularly high-intensity interval training (HIIT), for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). It focuses on exercises like arm crank ergometry (ACE), functional electrical stimulation leg cycling exercise (FES-LCE), and their combination. The review looks at whether these exercises, done in short bursts of high intensity followed by rest, can improve fitness and health in people with SCI. This is especially relevant because people with SCI often face higher risks of obesity and heart issues due to inactivity. The goal is to understand if HIIT is a practical and effective way to boost cardiovascular health and overall well-being for individuals with SCI, potentially offering benefits in less time compared to traditional moderate exercise.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

n = 1-20 in reviewed studies, individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Evidence Level

Thematic Review

Key Findings

1
HIIT protocols generally showed greater improvements in cardiovascular and metabolic measures, or demonstrated improvements with shorter time commitments, compared to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT).
2
Participants often preferred HIIT formats despite the higher intensity, suggesting good adherence and enjoyment.
3
HIIT-FES cycling studies showed potential for improving body composition by increasing lean muscle mass in the legs and reducing body fat percentage.

Research Summary

This thematic review examined the benefits and practicality of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), focusing on exercises like arm crank ergometry (ACE), functional electrical stimulation leg cycling exercise (FES-LCE), and hybrid exercise. The review found that HIIT protocols often led to greater cardiovascular and metabolic improvements or similar benefits in less time compared to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). Participants generally preferred HIIT despite its higher intensity. While the available literature is limited by small sample sizes and a lack of randomized controlled trials, the evidence suggests that HIIT is a feasible and potentially effective method for improving aerobic fitness, anaerobic capacity, and cardiometabolic health in people with SCI.

Practical Implications

Exercise Recommendations

HIIT can be considered as a time-efficient alternative to traditional moderate-intensity exercise for individuals with SCI.

Rehabilitation Programs

Incorporating HIIT protocols into rehabilitation programs may help improve cardiovascular and metabolic health outcomes for people with SCI.

Pre-conditioning

A 'pre-conditioning' program of NMES or progressive FES-LCE is recommended for lower extremities prior to HIIT-FES cycling.

Study Limitations

1
The literature was limited to fifteen articles with low participant numbers (n = 1-20).
2
The available literature lacked sufficient numbers of randomized control trials.
3
The cardiovascular responses to such exercise may vary depending on the level, completeness of injury, and the time since injury

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury