Effectiveness of the “Evidence-Based Scientiﬁc Exercise Guidelines” in Increasing Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Cardiometabolic Health, and Muscle Strength in Acute Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arrct.2023.100278 · Published: January 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This review looked at the impact of exercise on fitness, health, and strength in adults who recently experienced a spinal cord injury. The review found that while some exercises improved cardiometabolic health and strength, they didn't significantly improve cardiorespiratory fitness. More research is needed to figure out the best ways to use exercise to help people recover from spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

6 weeks to 6 months

Participants

108 adults <1 year post-SCI

Evidence Level

Systematic Review

Key Findings

1
Interventions meeting exercise guidelines did not increase cardiorespiratory fitness in acute SCI rehabilitation.
2
Functional electrical stimulation cycle ergometry (FES-CE) reduced muscle atrophy after 3 months of training and increased lean body mass after 6 months.
3
Resistance training increased muscle peak torque and perceived muscle strength and function.

Research Summary

This systematic review examined the effectiveness of exercise interventions on cardiorespiratory ﬁtness, cardiometabolic health and muscle strength after acute SCI. Aerobic exercise interventions did not improve measures of cardiorespiratory ﬁtness in the acute rehabilitation SCI participants. Muscle peak torque also signiﬁcantly improved with 6 weeks CRT and clinically meaningful improvement in perception of muscle strength was seen after 12 weeks progressive muscle strengthening.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Clinicians should consider implementing aerobic and strengthening exercises as per the Scientific Exercise Guidelines during acute rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation Programs

Implementing FES cycle ergometry within the first 6 months post-injury may reduce muscle atrophy and increase lean body mass.

Future Research

Further studies are needed to explore the effectiveness of different exercise interventions in acute SCI rehabilitation using standardized outcome measures.

Effectiveness of the “Evidence-Based Scientiﬁc Exercise Guidelines” in Increasing Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Cardiometabolic Health, and Muscle Strength in Acute Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Rehabilitation Programs

Future Research

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Effectiveness of the “Evidence-Based Scientiﬁc Exercise Guidelines” in Increasing Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Cardiometabolic Health, and Muscle Strength in Acute Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Rehabilitation Programs

Future Research

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?