Paraplegia, Spinal Cord Injury, Tetraplegia
Conditions
Brief summary
Currently, those with spinal cord injury (SCI) demonstrate increased prevalence of obesity (75%) cardiovascular disease (30 - 50%), type II diabetes (21%) and osteoporosis in the legs (100%) when compared to the general population. It is important to identify the modes and intensities of exercise most likely to generate a reduction in these inactivity-related diseases in this population. Therefore, the main purpose of this pilot research project is to implement and test a form of a spinal cord injury-specific exercise, known as FES rowing (FES: functional electrical stimulation).
Interventions
DEVICEFunctional electrical stimulation rowing (Odstock 4 channel neuromuscular stimulator with Concept 2 Rower)
Participants will strengthen their quadriceps and hamstrings using electrical stimulation for up to 12 weeks (using an Odstock 4 channel neuromuscular stimulator). Then participants will use a seated rower (Concept 2 Rower, fitted with a backrest that allows those with spinal cord injury to engage in rowing) in conjunction with the electrical stimulation for 12-24 weeks.
Sponsors
University of Manitoba
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 75 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Have a spinal cord injury, C5-T12 (level), AIS A-D (severity) * Be aged 18-75 for duration of study * Medically stable and healthy enough to complete exercise requirements * Willing and able to complete the at-home training requirements as prescribed * Willing and able to complete the exercise sessions as prescribed * Willing and able to complete the VO2 testing throughout the study * Willing and able to complete the DEXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scans during the study * Able to understand and follow written or verbal instructions from study staff
Exclusion criteria
* Current pressure ulcer(s) at sites of electrical stimulation * Previous spontaneous or low-impact leg fracture * Previous diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (ie enlarged heart, heart murmur) * Unsatisfactory results of EKG (electrocardiogram) screening test * Known thyroid dysfunction * Kidney disease * Cancer * Blood pressure \> 140/90 mmHg * Currently taking blood pressure medication * History of epilepsy * Current hand, arm or shoulder injury * Current deep vein thrombosis * Implanted electronic cardiac device (pace maker, defibrillator, etc) * Ventilator-dependent * Unable to follow written and verbal instructions
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Peak VO2 (volume oxygen) output during exercise | 24 weeks compared to baseline | Peak VO2 testing will be performed before beginning rower training and again at the end of the 24 weeks of training. Testing will be performed with an arm ergometer, rowing without electrical stimulation, and rowing with electrical stimulation. This will assess energy use, time to fatigue, and perceived exertion. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Body composition | 24 weeks compared to baseline | Participants will have their body composition (specifically leg percent fat and muscle, and bone mineral density) measured before beginning training and at the end of the 24 weeks of training. |
| Leg EMG (electromyogram) while rowing | Throughout study (up to 36 weeks) | Participants will perform the rowing exercise while having EMG of multiple leg muscles. |
Countries
Canada
Outcome results
None listed