Effect of wheelchair-modified rowing exercise on cardiometabolic risk factors in spinal cord injured wheelchair users: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open, 2020 · DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040727 · Published: September 15, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study aims to determine the effects of a 12-week wheelchair user-modified upper-body rowing exercise program on cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study will compare a group doing rowing exercises to a control group maintaining their regular lifestyle, measuring outcomes related to inflammation, metabolism, body composition, and cardiovascular health. The researchers will assess whether the rowing intervention improves various health markers and overall well-being in manual wheelchair users with SCI.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

30 manual wheelchair users with SCI

Evidence Level

Level 1: Randomized Controlled Trial

Key Findings

1
The primary objective is to determine the effects of wheelchair user-modified upper-body rowing on cardiometabolic risk factors in manual wheelchair users with SCI.
2
The study also aims to investigate the effects of the exercise intervention on leisure-time physical activity, shoulder pain, indices of QOL and feasibility of the intervention.
3
The trial will assess changes in inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers, body composition, arterial blood pressure, cardiorespiratory fitness, vascular structure and function, and autonomic nervous system function.

Research Summary

This randomised controlled trial will investigate the effects of a 12-week upper-body rowing exercise program on cardiometabolic risk factors in manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study will compare an exercise group performing rowing three times a week for 30 minutes with a control group maintaining their normal lifestyle. Measurements will be taken at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months post-intervention. The outcomes will include inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers, body composition, arterial blood pressure, cardiorespiratory fitness, brachial artery vascular structure and function, and autonomic nervous system function.

Practical Implications

Improved Cardiometabolic Health

The study could provide evidence for the effectiveness of wheelchair-modified rowing exercise in improving cardiometabolic health in individuals with SCI.

Reduced Shoulder Pain

The rowing exercise, incorporating resistance training, may help alleviate shoulder pain commonly experienced by wheelchair users.

Enhanced Quality of Life

Positive results could lead to better exercise recommendations and improved quality of life for manual wheelchair users with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of control of food intake is a study limitation as altered energy intake could influence the interpretation of the effects of exercise on body mass and body composition.
2
The recruitment plan was partially planned based on feedback from the patient population.
3
Some participants may not perform all of the 15 activities.

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