The effects of functional electrical stimulation leg cycle ergometry training on arterial compliance in individuals with spinal cord injury.

STUDY

DESIGN

A prospective intervention of functional electrical stimulation leg cycle ergometry (FES-LCE) of four women with spinal cord injury (SCI).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of FES-LCE training on arterial compliance in individuals with chronic SCI of traumatic origin.

SETTING

Tertiary rehabilitation center in Canada.

METHODS

Large and small artery compliance were measured at the radial artery before and after a 3-month training program using FES-LCE.

RESULTS

There was no significant change in large artery compliance after FES-LCE (16.0+/-4.2 to 16.8+/-6.1 ml mm Hg(-1) x 10, P=NS). There was a marked (63%) increase in small artery compliance after the FES training program (4.2+/-1.8 to 6.9+/-3.2 ml mm Hg(-1) x 100, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

It appears that FES-LCE is effective in improving small artery compliance in females with SCI.