Reduction of exercise-mediated endothelial dysfunction markers in sedentary adults with chronic spinal cord injury

Abstract

Background and objectiveRecent studies have found increased markers of endothelial activation in men with chronic spinal cord injury. This study was conducted to determine the effects of arm-cranking exercise on endothelial dysfunction in male adults with chronic SCI. MethodA prospective randomised study of 17 sedentary adult males with chronic SCI at or under T5 level. Nine performed a supervised exercise programme at a moderate intensity (arm-cranking: 12 weeks, 3 sessions/week). Plasma levels of endothelin-1, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 (sICAM-1), and soluble vascular adhesion molecule type 1 (sVCAM-1) were assessed by ELISA. Outcome measurements also included physical fitness and total body fat mass percentage. ResultsWe observed both in the randomised and in the before–after studies a significant reduction of the levels of endothelin-1 and sICAM-1. Furthermore, significant improvements of both physical fitness and body composition were also found. ConclusionArm-cranking exercise improved endothelial dysfunction in adult males with chronic SCI. Long-term studies are still required to determine whether the correction of endothelial dysfunction improves the clinical outcomes of adults with chronic SCI.