Detraining from total body exercise ergometry in individuals with spinal cord injury

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the e ects of detraining that occurred during an 8 week period of muscular inactivity following a 12 week training program of arti®cial computerized functional electrical stimulation cycle ergometry (CFES LE) and arm ergometry. Six spinal cord injured male individuals were followed through an 8 week detraining period that was preceded by a 12 week exercise program including CFES LE and arm ergometry. Maximal graded exercise tests were completed and measurements of peak oxygen consumption (VO 2 ), heart rate (HR), ventilation (V E ) workload, and creatine kinase were taken. Testing occurred at initial training (0T), after 12 weeks of training (12T), and after 8 weeks of detraining (DT). After the training program, peak VO 2 increased signi®cantly from 0.562+0.126 (0T) to 1.021+0.247 l/min (12T, P50.05). After DT, peak VO 2 decreased to 0.791=0.216 l/min, which was lower than 12T (P50.05), yet higher than 0T (P50.05). After DT, peak workoad had decreased from 0.675+0.203 (12T) to 0.32+0.203 kp (P50.05), which was not di erent than 0T. Creatine kinase levels were signi®cantly lower both at 12T and DT compared to OT (P50.05). In addition, this training program induced linear increases in both VO 2 and HR with workload, which were retained after DT. These increases did not reach statistical signi®cance, however. No apparent relationship existed between these values at baseline. There were no signi®cant di erences in submaximal or peak HR of V E between the three testing periods. The results indicate that both peripheral muscular adaptations and central distribution adaptations in SCI individuals are partially maintained following 8 weeks of DT from CFES LE and arm ergometry.

Functional Magnetic Stimulation of Inspiratory and Expiratory Muscles in Subjects With Tetraplegia

“…When FMS was discontinued for 4 weeks, these values had the following decrements: MIP (4.3%), IRV (6.0%), and PIF (5.4%); MEP (1.0%), ERV (4.0%), and PEF (8.1%) when compared with their maximal PFT measurements. This functional decrease was comparable with that reported by Gurney et al [32] and with findings from our previous expiratory muscle conditioning study [29], which showed decreased skeletal muscle performance after the cessation of training in SCI. This outcome suggests that continual FMS may be necessary to maintain improved inspiratory and expiratory functions.…”

Cardiovascular Health and Exercise Rehabilitation in Spinal Cord Injury

“…Researchers have also shown that hybrid exercise training (FES-leg cycling combined with arm ergometry) may elicit greater changes in peak work rates and VO 2 peak/VO 2 max than FES-leg cycling exercise alone 44,45 . Moreover, it appears that the physiological adaptations to combined FES-leg cycling and arm ergometry training are maintained partially following 8 weeks of detraining 46 . Other interventions (Table 3) that make use of hybrid FES training have also been shown to improve the exercise capacity and cardiovascular health status in SCI.…”

Does aerobic exercise benefit persons with tetraplegia from spinal cord injury? A systematic review

“…Warburton et al 6 identified six pre-post studies that examined the effects of hybrid (FES-LCE + arm) training on cardiovascular fitness in persons with SCI, not specifically tetraplegia. [60][61][62][63][64][65] Warburton and colleagues summarized the strength of the scientific evidence for health benefits of hybrid exercise reporting level 4 evidence that hybrid exercise increases peak power output and VO 2 , and improves exercise cardiac function in those with SCI, including those with tetraplegia. [60][61][62][63][64][65] Additionally, they found level 2 evidence that FES gait training increases peak metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses in tetraplegia.…”

“…[60][61][62][63][64][65] Warburton and colleagues summarized the strength of the scientific evidence for health benefits of hybrid exercise reporting level 4 evidence that hybrid exercise increases peak power output and VO 2 , and improves exercise cardiac function in those with SCI, including those with tetraplegia. [60][61][62][63][64][65] Additionally, they found level 2 evidence that FES gait training increases peak metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses in tetraplegia. 64 Metabolic and risk factors SCI Glucose homeostasis in SCI Warburton et al 6 summarized the strength of the scientific evidence for metabolic and cardiovascular benefits of hybrid exercise reporting that a minimum of 30 min of exercise 3 times per week can achieve health benefits.…”