Circuit Resistance Training Increased Antioxidant Status In Adults With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury.

Abstract

PURPOSE: Recent studies have reported aerobic training may reduce both markers of oxidative damage and proinflammatory cytokines in adults with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). However to date, the information regarding the utility of resistance training on this population is scarce. Therefore, the current study was conducted to assess the influence of a 12-week circuit resistance training programme on total antioxidant status (TAS) in adults with chronic SCI. METHODS: Male adults (N=24) with complete SCI at or below T5 volunteered for this interventional study. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention (n=12) or control group (n=12) using a concealed method. The intervention consisted of a 12-week circuit resistance training programme, 3 sessions/week. Participants completed 1-3 sets of 6-8 repetitions for each station at 55-70 % of 1-RM. To simulate a “real-world” experience, subjects remained in their custom wheelchair at each station. Plasma levels of TAS was determined spectrophotometrically. Lastly, the current protocol was approved by an Institutional Ethics Committee. RESULTS: When compared to baseline, resistance training significantly increased plasma levels TAS (0.40±0.07vs.0.46±0.09mmol/l;p=0.015) in the experimental group. No significant changes were found in the control group. CONCLUSION: A 12-week circuit resistance training program increased antioxidant in adults with chronic SCI. While current results are promising, future studies are still required to consolidate this approach in clinical application.