Sport-therapy effects on cardiorespiratory functionality in patients with spinal cord injury

Aim: People with spinal cord injury (SCI) have limited maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) because of a change in respiratory pattern, reduction in pulmonary compliance and heart rate (HR) adaptation to exercise. Sport activity is known to provide beneficial effects on stabilized SCI however, the effects of sport-therapy on patient with recent lesion is still not documented. Therefore, aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and long-term cardiorespiratory adaptation to a physical training program in people with recent SCI. Methods: 28 patients (age: 34.3±11.9 yrs.; body mass: 69.1±11.9 kg; stature: 175±9 cm; mean±standard deviation, SD) with a recent spinal cord lesion (< 3months) were recruited and further divided in two groups by lesion level (<T6, HIGH; >T6, LOW). Participants underwent a 3 months of sport-therapy (resistance activity on adapted ergometers + aerobic sport activity, 3-4 sessions/wk). Maximal load (Wpeak), VO2max, VE, HR and VO2vsHR relationship were assessed at admission in the rehabilitation center (PRE), after 3 months of sport-therapy (POST) and 6 months after the end of the therapy (F_UP). Results: Training significantly increased Wpeak in both groups (+58% e +26%, respectively. P<0.05 vs PRE). VO2, VE and HR vs load relationships improved more efficiently in LOW group. 6 months after the discharge, improvements induced by training were maintained in LOW and lost in HIGH group. Conclusion: Sport activity is strongly suggested in the early phases of SCI therapy to improve cardiorespiratory functionality. After the discharge a constant monitoring of people with SCI, especially when lesion level is higher than T6, is recommended to motivate practice over time. References: Hopman M.T. et al. The effects of training on cardiovascular responses to arm exercise in individuals with tetraplegia. Eur J Appl Physiol 74: 172-179, 1996 Hoffman, M.D. Cardiorespiratory fitness and training in quadriplegics and paraplegics. Sports Med. 3, 312-330 (1986).