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

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

PloS one

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.

First Page

e0262864

DOI

10.1371/journal.pone.0262864

Publication Date

1-1-2022

Identifier

35073366 (pubmed); PMC8786191 (pmc); 10.1371/journal.pone.0262864 (doi); PONE-D-21-18010 (pii)

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