At-Home High-Intensity Interval Training for Individuals with Paraplegia Following Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Series.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a 16-week at-home high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHOD: Eight individuals (3 females) with chronic SCI below the sixth thoracic vertebrae participated in a 16-week at-home HIIT program using an arm ergometer. Participants completed baseline graded exercise tests to determine target heart rate zones. HIIT was prescribed three times per week. Each training session included six one-minute bouts with a target heart rate ~80% heart rate reserve (HRR), interspersed with two minutes of recovery (~30% HRR). A portable heart rate monitor and phone application provided visual feedback during training and allowed for measurements of adherence and compliance. Surveys were administered to assess participation, self-efficacy, and satisfaction.

RESULTS

Participants demonstrated a decrease in submaximal cardiac output by ~17% (P=0.028) and an increase in peak power output by ~26% (P=0.027) following HIIT. An 87% adherence rate was achieved during the HIIT program. Self-reported metrics of satisfaction and self-efficacy with at-home HIIT scored moderate to high.

CONCLUSION

Participants demonstrated an improvement in cardiac efficiency during submaximal exercise, and maximal work capacity following at-home HIIT. Additionally, participant adherence, compliance, satisfaction, and self-efficacy metrics suggest that at-home HIIT was easily implemented and enjoyable.