Effect of hybrid FES exercise on body composition during the sub-acute phase of spinal cord injury

Abstract

Objectives To determine the Effect of Hybrid functional electrically stimulated (FES) Exercise on Body Composition during the Sub-acute Phase of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Design Randomized Clinical Trial. Setting Rehabilitation Hospital. Participants Patients within sub-acute phase (3–24 months) of SCI. Interventions We investigated if high-intensity exercise training via the addition of functional electrically stimulated (FES) leg muscles, provides sufficient stimulus to mitigate against body composition changes in the sub-acute phase after SCI. Main outcome measures We explored potential effects of FES row training (FESRT) on body fat gain, lean mass loss, and cardiometabolic parameters and compared the effects of 6-month of FESRT (n = 18) to standard of care (SOC, n = 13). Those in SOC were crossed over to FESRT. Results FESRT resulted in greater exercise capacity and a tendency for lesser total body fat accumulation with a significant increase in total and leg lean mass (p<0.05). In addition pelvis and total bone mineral density declines were significantly less (p<0.05). Compared to SOC, FESRT did not lead to any significant difference in insulin sensitivity or serum lipids. However, HbA1C levels were significantly decreased in SOC participants who crossed over to 6-month FESRT. Conclusion FESRT early after SCI provides a sufficient stimulus to mitigate against detrimental body composition changes. This may lead to prevention of losses in lean mass, including bone.

Improved pulmonary function is associated with reduced inflammation after hybrid whole‐body exercise training in persons with spinal cord injury

“…We conducted a retrospective analysis of participants from a randomized controlled trial comparing 6 months of FESRT to standard of care (SOC) treatments in persons with sub‐acute SCI (≤2 years) (Afshari et al., 2022). From the parent randomized control trial participant pool, 22 individuals, who also underwent routine resting pulmonary function testing, at baseline and 3 months, were screened into this study.…”

“…The exercise program was identical to what we have previously reported (Afshari et al, 2022). Briefly, all participants allocated to arms-only exercise or FESRT were prescribed exercise at a dosage of three 30-min sessions a week with the goal of reaching an exercise intensity of 70-85% of peak heart rate.…”

The impact of rehabilitation in bone loss management of patients with spinal cord injury: A systematic review

“…As a result, 319 records were excluded, and 44 studies were sought for retrieval and then screened in full text. Lastly, 11 studies [31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38]38,40,41] were included in the present systematic review. Figure 1 shows the PRISMA flow diagram, reporting further details about the article selection process.…”

“…Figure 1 shows the PRISMA flow diagram, reporting further details about the article selection process. Supplementary Table 2 summarizes the rea- The following studies were included in the present systematic review: Afshari et al [31], Arija-Blázquez et al [32], Ben et al [33], Chen et al [34], Edwards et al [35], Groah et al [36], Holman et al [37], Morse et al [38], Shackleton et al [39], Warden et al [40], Xu et al [41].…”

“…The studies included were published between 2001 [40] and 2022 [31,39] and were conducted in America (USA n = 3 [31,[36][37][38]; collaboration between USA and Canada n = 1 [35]), Europe (Spain n = 1 [32]), Africa (South Africa n = 1 [39]) and Asia (China n = 2 [34,41], Australia n = 2 [33,40]).…”