Community exercise programing and its potential influence on quality of life and functional reach for individuals with spinal cord injury

Abstract

Context/Objective: After an individual with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) participates in the initial rehabilitation process, they often experience limited access to physical therapy services and other fitness activities. The purpose of this study was to examine previously collected data for changes in quality of life (QoL) and functional reach in individuals with SCI following an 8-week community exercise program. Design: Secondary analysis of previously collected data. Setting: Community-based exercise program. Participants: Twenty-two participants with an average of 9 years post-SCI, both complete and incomplete injuries, and injury levels ranging from C2 to L5. Interventions: Participants completed an 8-week program, once per week for 4 hours that included a four-station circuit of resistance training, aerobic exercise, trunk stability, and education. Outcome Measures: Physical function was measured using the modified Functional Reach Test (mFRT). QoL was measured with the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-9 (LiSAT-9). Results: The mFRT improved by 2 inches (±7.04) P < 0.001 and QoL improved as well, P < 0.001. Conclusion: The findings of this study are consistent with the hypothesis that a supervised post-rehabilitation community exercise program, like Spinal Mobility, may positively impact the QoL and functional reach in individuals with SCI.

Epidural Electrical Stimulation of the Lumbosacral Spinal Cord Improves Trunk Stability During Seated Reaching in Two Humans With Severe Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury

“…Of equal importance, these improved reaching abilities with ES were repeatable throughout the study. Our findings suggest that ES provides a therapeutic option for restoring functional trunk stability which is currently untreatable, or at best, marginally improved by long-term, strenuous exercise paradigms (Sliwinski et al, 2020). In addition to enabling supraspinal control over motor functions, ES-enabled motor functions are thought to facilitate a more physiological pattern of motor unit recruitment when compared to currently-available NMES systems (Henneman, 1957;Henneman et al, 1965;Maffiuletti, 2010;Bickel et al, 2011).…”

Community exercise for individuals with spinal cord injury with inspiratory muscle training: A pilot study

“…Given the greater impact on trunk stability of those with higher-level injuries, 44,49 improvements were the greatest in the two individuals with cervical injuries. Sliwinski et al, 19 found a positive change in functional reach improves postural control and seated balance, skills that are vital for individuals with SCI. 19 With the exception of subject 8, all subjects improved beyond the MDC values for mFR used for comparison in this study.…”

“…18 Previous retrospective study of a communitybased exercise program, specifically the Spinal Mobility X class (SMX), has shown a positive effect on function and quality of life for people with SCI. 19 In addition to regular exercise, IMT can provide additional benefit for individuals with SCI. 8,9,15 To decrease risk for respiratory complications, resistive respiratory training (RRT) can be included in an exercise program to potentially decrease secondary health complications.…”

Análise Da Correlação Entre Independência Funcional E Satisfação Com a Tecnologia Assistiva Em Pessoas Com Lesão Medular

“…Em pessoas acometidas com LM, a incapacidade funcional pode provocar graus variados de dependência no que se refere às atividades de vida diária (AVDs), principalmente em relação ao autocuidado, controle de esfíncteres, mobilidade, entre outras (TULSKY et al, 2015). A independência funcional influencia o desempenho nas atividades cotidianas, no potencial desempenho ocupacional e na participação social (SLIWINSKI et al, 2020).…”