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

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.