OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of combined progressive resistance training (PRT) and functional electrical stimulation-evoked leg cycling exercise (FES-LCE) on isometric peak torque and muscle volume in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury. Patients and METHODS: In the single-blind, randomized controlled trial performed between April 2015 and August 2016, 28 participants were randomized between two exercise interventions (FES-LCE plus PRT and FES-LCE alone), and training was conducted over 12 weeks. The isometric muscle peak torque and muscle volume for both lower limbs were measured at the baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks. Linear mixed-model analysis of variance was performed to test the effects of FES-LCE plus PRT versus FES-LCE on each outcome measure over time via an intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-three participants (18 males, 5 females; mean age 33.4 +/- 9.7 years; range 21 to 50 years) completed study (10 in the FES-LCE plus PRT group, and 13 in the FES-LCE group). The 12-week pre-and posttraining change for left hamstrings' muscle peak torque in the FES-LCE plus PRT group (mean difference 4.5 +/- 7.9 Nm, 45% change, p < 0.05) was consistently higher than that in the FES-LCE group (mean difference 2.4 +/- 10.3 Nm, 4% change; p < 0.018). The improvement in the right quadriceps muscle's peak torque of the FES-LCE plus PRT group (mean difference 19 +/- 7.6 Nm, 31% change, p < 0.05) was more significant compared to the FES-LCE group. The left muscle volume showed a remarkable increase after 12 weeks in the FES-LCE plus PRT group (mean difference=0.3+/-9.3 L, 7% change, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination of PRT and FES-LCE was better in improving lower limb muscle strength and volume in chronic incomplete individuals with spinal cord injury.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help

• PubMed Central
• DOI
• PubMed
• PDF locator
• publisher