Autonomic Nervous System Control and Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is accompanied by changes in autonomic nervous system function, including, cardio-respiratory control. Cardio-respiratory complications are frequently reported as leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the SCI population. Exercise is now an integral part of rehabilitation after SCI and for reducing cardiovascular disease, as well as other symptoms, in SCI. Furthermore, participation rates in SCI sports are steadily increasing. Unfortunately, there is a limited understanding of how SCI induced changes in cardio-respiratory control may affect exercise responses.