Cardiovascular Health and Exercise Rehabilitation in Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

There appears to be an increased prevalence and earlier onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in persons with SCI. Physical inactivity is thought to be a key factor in the increased risk for CVD. Physical inactivity is highly prevalent in persons with SCI and it appears that activities of daily living are not sufficient to maintain cardiovascular fitness and health. This systematic review examines the current literature regarding the risk for CVD and the effectiveness of varied exercise rehabilitation programs in attenuating the risk for CVD in SCI.

The effects of functional electrical stimulation leg cycle ergometry training on arterial compliance in individuals with spinal cord injury

“…2 The increase in CVD with aging in individuals with SCI reflects that of able-bodied individuals, though at an accelerated rate, higher prevalence, and earlier onset. 3 In recent years, researchers have used pulse wave analysis to show that arterial stiffness is associated with CVD, specifically atherosclerotic burden. 4 Arterial compliance decreases as the severity of atherosclerosis increases.…”

“…5,6 It is well known that a sedentary lifestyle is associated with premature mortality and increased morbidity. 3 This is a significant risk for persons with SCI who, because of loss of motor function, are often extremely sedentary. 3 Indeed, individuals with SCI show an increased prevalence for a number of cardiovascular risk factors associated with reduced vascular health (including decreased arterial compliance).…”

“…3 This is a significant risk for persons with SCI who, because of loss of motor function, are often extremely sedentary. 3 Indeed, individuals with SCI show an increased prevalence for a number of cardiovascular risk factors associated with reduced vascular health (including decreased arterial compliance). 7 A recent study suggests normotensive individuals with paraplegia exhibit decreased arterial compliance compared to able-bodied controls.…”

“…7 Exercise rehabilitation using the upper extremities has clearly been shown to lead to marked health benefits in persons with SCI. 3 Recent evidence also shows lower extremity exercise through functional electrical stimulation leg cycle ergometry (FES-LCE) to be a valuable clinical rehabilitation tool for SCI as it is effective at improving exercise tolerance and measures of cardiovascular health (including aerobic fitness and glucose homeostasis). 3 However, the effect of FES-LCE training on systemic arterial compliance has not been evaluated in persons with SCI.…”

“…3 Recent evidence also shows lower extremity exercise through functional electrical stimulation leg cycle ergometry (FES-LCE) to be a valuable clinical rehabilitation tool for SCI as it is effective at improving exercise tolerance and measures of cardiovascular health (including aerobic fitness and glucose homeostasis). 3 However, the effect of FES-LCE training on systemic arterial compliance has not been evaluated in persons with SCI. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of FES-LCE training on systemic arterial compliance.…”