Health status of regularly physically active persons with spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2017 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-017-0033-8 · Published: October 17, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study examines the health status of individuals with paraplegia and tetraplegia who regularly exercise according to Canadian guidelines. The research assesses body composition, bone mineral density, lung function, cardiorespiratory fitness, and self-reported quality of life in these individuals. The study found positive associations between regular exercise and health outcomes in this population, including good aerobic capacity and high quality of life.

Study Duration

Cross-sectional study, data collected between September and November 2016

Participants

18 persons (9 men/9 women) aged 41‒72 years with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Persons with SCI who exercise regularly following the Canadian guidelines responded with rather positive associations for health outcomes.
2
Persons with paraplegia were defined as overweight with fat mass 42% (25‒51).
3
QOL was ranked as median 7.5 (0‒10 scale).

Research Summary

This study investigated the health status of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who exercise regularly, focusing on body composition, bone mineral density, lung function, cardiorespiratory fitness, and quality of life (QOL). The results indicated that participants who followed Canadian exercise guidelines exhibited positive health outcomes, including good to excellent aerobic capacity and relatively high QOL scores. The authors conclude that regular exercise is associated with positive health outcomes in individuals with SCI and recommend promoting exercise programs based on Canadian guidelines.

Practical Implications

Promote Exercise Programs

Institutions and individuals with SCI should promote and develop exercise classes based on Canadian guidelines.

Further Research

Additional research is needed to validate and strengthen the findings of this study.

Intensity Considerations

Future research should consider increasing the exercise intensity for physical activity guidelines for SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Cross-sectional study design limits the ability to explore causality.
2
Small sample size and variations in age, injury level, and completeness limit generalizability.
3
DXA measurements were performed at two different places by different staff, potentially affecting reliability.

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