Exercise-Induced Alterations in Sympathetic-Somatomotor Coupling in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

This study investigates how different intensities of locomotor training affect the coordination between the sympathetic and somatomotor systems in people with incomplete spinal cord injuries. The study found that high-intensity training decreased stretch reflexes during sympathetic responses, while low-intensity training either didn't change or increased these reflexes. The findings suggest that high-intensity locomotor training may be more effective in improving the coordination between the sympathetic and somatomotor systems in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries.

• 1
  High-intensity locomotor training resulted in significant decreases in reflex torques during triggered sympathetic activity compared to low-intensity training.
• 2
  Mean arterial pressure responses to sympathetic stimuli were slightly higher following high-intensity versus low-intensity locomotor training, although these differences were not statistically significant.
• 3
  High-intensity training resulted in a decrease in heart rate response during the pain trial, while low-intensity training demonstrated an increase.