Individually Tailored Endurance Training During Early Rehabilitation in Individuals with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: A Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND

Endurance training after the onset of spinal cord injury (SCI) can support the recovery of function and mobility and should be implemented into the daily routine as early as possible.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the feasibility and effects of a new, progressive, individually tailored, mixed-effort endurance training program during early rehabilitation of individuals with traumatic SCI.

METHODS

Participants performed 3 training sessions of 30- to 45-minute duration every week for 8 weeks, consisting of a mix of moderate endurance, vigorous endurance, and high-intensity interval sessions. Before and after the intervention phase, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and peak power output (POpeak) were determined. Additionally, functioning (Spinal Cord Independence Measure [SCIM]) and well-being (12-item Short Form Survey [SF-12]) were assessed.

RESULTS

Thirteen (9 M/4 F) individuals with paraplegia (median [Q1-Q3] age 42 [24-50] years) started the training intervention 14 (12-17) weeks after the onset of traumatic SCI. Training compliance was 92%. Participants trained at an average of 78% (75-81) of peak heart rate. VO2peak and POpeak significantly increased by 8.8% (1.9-32.4) (P = .003) and 20% (16-29) (P < .001), respectively. Total SCIM score [+24% (6-33), P = .002] and the physical component of the SF-12 [+14% (8-21), P = .001] also improved.

CONCLUSION

The newly developed individually tailored endurance training program improved endurance capacity and performance in individuals with traumatic paraplegia during early rehabilitation. The implementation of such a structured endurance training program can support individuals with SCI to achieve optimal functioning, mobility, independence, and well-being at the end of the early rehabilitation process.