Abstract
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based structured exercise program, compared to usual care, in enhancing physical, functional, and psychological outcomes for ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). DesignRandomized controlled trial comparing exercise group with usual care group. SettingOne university-affiliated rehabilitation hospital. ParticipantsFifty-seven participants with chronic SCI who could walk more than 10 meters. InterventionsA supervised 20-session program focusing on flexibility, aerobic, and strengthening exercises was provided over 8 weeks for the exercise group, while the usual care group maintained their regular daily exercise routines. Main outcome measuresPrimary outcome included 6-minute walk test, while secondary outcomes assessed EuroQol-5 Dimensions 5-Level, Spinal Cord Independence Measure III, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), timed up and go, grip strength, 30-second sit to stand (30-STS) test, sit and reach test (SRT), Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and bioelectrical impedance analysis. ResultsThe 51 participants were allocated to intervention (n=36) and usual care (n=15) groups, consisting of 34 males and 17 females (average age 59.78±13.19 years). The participants included 24 with cervical, 17 with thoracic, 8 with lumbar, and 2 with sacral lesions, with all participants having motor incomplete injuries. The exercise group showed significant improvement compared to the usual care group in the 6-Minute Walk Test by 49.80 meters (95% CI: 13.04, 86.55), BBS scores by 3.50 (95% CI: 0.96, 6.03), 30-STS by 2.38 (95% CI: 0.29, 4.47), and SRT by 3.89 centimeters (95% CI: 0.96, 6.82). The adherence rate was remarkably high at 89.6%, suggesting the feasibility of community exercise programs for this population. However, no significant changes were observed in psychological and quality of life measures. ConclusionCommunity-based structured exercise programs have been shown to be both feasible and effective in improving walking capacity, balance, lower extremity strength, and flexibility in ambulatory individuals with SCI.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call