The influence of a home-based exercise intervention on human health indices in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (HOMEX-SCI): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Trials, 2016 · DOI: 10.1186/s13063-016-1396-z · Published: June 14, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Endocrinology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores how a 6-week home exercise program affects the health of people with long-term spinal cord injuries. Participants will do arm exercises at home, and researchers will measure changes in their heart health, metabolism, and overall well-being compared to a control group. The results could help create better exercise guidelines for this population and understand how exercise improves their health.

Study Duration

6 Weeks

Participants

24 inactive individuals with chronic spinal cord lesion

Evidence Level

Level I: Randomized Controlled Trial

Key Findings

1
The primary objective of the HOMEX-SCI study is to assess the impact of a 6-week home-based moderate-intensity arm-crank exercise intervention on markers of metabolic and cardiovascular health.
2
A secondary objective is to investigate the expression of genes within adipose tissue that are associated with a variety of biological processes such as energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses.
3
Other objectives include: characterising aspects of adaptive immune function pre and post intervention, quantifying changes in body composition, aerobic capacity, dietary and physical activity behaviours and various constructs of health and wellbeing.

Research Summary

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a 6-week home-based arm-crank exercise program on metabolic and cardiovascular health in individuals with chronic SCI. The study also investigates the impact of exercise on adipose tissue gene expression and immune function in this population. The findings are expected to inform evidence-based physical activity guidelines and improve understanding of the physiological benefits of exercise for people with SCI.

Practical Implications

Informed Guidelines

The study results may contribute to the development of new, evidence-based physical activity guidelines tailored for individuals with chronic SCI.

Treatment Strategies

The findings could support the use of home-based exercise interventions as a feasible strategy to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for people with SCI.

Further Research

The study can serve as a basis for future intervention studies targeting other diverse and at-risk populations.

Study Limitations

1
The study focuses on individuals with spinal cord lesions between the second thoracic and fifth lumbar vertebrae, which might limit the generalizability of the findings to individuals with lesions outside this range.
2
The 6-week intervention period might be insufficient to observe long-term effects of exercise on metabolic and cardiovascular health.
3
The study excludes individuals on T2DM medication, which might not represent the broader SCI population.

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