Hand Motor Fatigability Induced by a Simple Isometric Task in Spinal Cord Injury

J. Clin. Med., 2022 · DOI: 10.3390/jcm11175108 · Published: August 30, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates hand motor fatigue in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) compared to able-bodied individuals. It also compares fatigue levels between those with tetraplegia and paraplegia. The study measures 'motor fatigability' (objective fatigue) using a hand isometric task and 'perceived fatigability' (subjective fatigue) using the Fatigue Severity Scale. The results suggest that the ability to sustain effort is preserved in SCI, depending on residual muscle force, and that perceived fatigue is largely independent of motor fatigability.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

96 participants with SCI (40 cervical and 56 thoracolumbar) and 63 able-bodied controls

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Muscle force decline during a fatiguing task is similar in SCI participants and controls, suggesting preserved capability to maintain prolonged effort in SCI.
2
Motor fatigability is influenced by maximal muscle force at the start of the task, indicating that initial strength impacts endurance.
3
Perceived fatigability and motor fatigability are largely independent in individuals with SCI, suggesting different underlying mechanisms.

Research Summary

The study aimed to evaluate hand motor fatigability in people with SCI, comparing it with able-bodied individuals and analyzing differences between tetraplegia and paraplegia. The findings suggest that the ability to maintain a prolonged effort is preserved in SCI, depending on the residual maximal muscle force. Motor fatigability is similar in able-bodied people and people with SCI, and is influenced by the maximal force measured at the beginning of the task.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

Rehabilitation programs should focus on maximizing residual muscle force to improve endurance in individuals with SCI.

Understanding Fatigue

Further research is needed to understand the factors contributing to perceived fatigue in SCI, as it appears independent of motor fatigability.

Task-Specific Training

Training regimens should consider task-specific demands, as the type of motor task (repetitive vs. sustained) may influence fatigue differently.

Study Limitations

1
The cervical and thoracolumbar SCI groups were not similar in respect to severity.
2
Patients were taking different medications that may have affected our ﬁndings.
3
This study does not allow directly providing information about the origin of fatigue (e.g., central or peripheral).

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