The effectiveness of community-based upper body exercise programs in persons with chronic paraplegia and manual wheelchair users: A systematic review

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2022 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2020.1782608 · Published: June 19, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This review looked at studies about upper-body exercise programs for people with paraplegia who use manual wheelchairs. The goal was to see how these programs affected their ability to do daily tasks and their quality of life. The review found that while exercise, especially resistance training, can help, the studies often had flaws.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Individuals with chronic paraplegia who use a manual wheelchair

Evidence Level

Systematic Review

Key Findings

1
Resistance training improved functional independence when evaluated through upper-limb functionality.
2
Aerobic and resistance exercises both had positive results regarding the effects on quality of life.
3
Studies have shown low methodological quality and high risk of bias.

Research Summary

This review examined the effectiveness of community-based upper-body exercise programs for individuals with chronic paraplegia who use manual wheelchairs, focusing on functional independence (FI) and quality of life (QoL). The review found that resistance exercise and aerobic exercise were the most common types of upper-body exercises used in community settings, often implemented at home. The authors concluded that more research with higher methodological quality is needed to better define the effects of upper-body exercise programs on FI and QoL in this population.

Practical Implications

Exercise Program Design

Healthcare providers can use this information to select exercises for individuals with chronic paraplegia who use manual wheelchairs.

Future Research

Future studies should focus on improving methodological quality and using uniform assessment measures.

Community-Based Programs

Community-based exercise programs, especially those at home, can be affordable and accessible for people with SCI.

The effectiveness of community-based upper body exercise programs in persons with chronic paraplegia and manual wheelchair users: A systematic review

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Exercise Program Design

Future Research

Community-Based Programs

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

The effectiveness of community-based upper body exercise programs in persons with chronic paraplegia and manual wheelchair users: A systematic review

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Exercise Program Design

Future Research

Community-Based Programs

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?