Investigation Into Optimal FES Training Characteristics After Spinal Cord Injury

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

[LO-LONG]: Both interventions are different modalities of FES-evoked leg exercise, three-four times per week for 6-8 weeks (24 therapy sessions). The comparator intervention (\[LO-LONG\]) uses 20-40 min (patient state of fitness dependent) of continuous leg exercise of lower intensity.

[HI-SHORT: One intervention (\[HI-SHORT\]) uses a variety of leg exercise interval training of higher intensity for 10 x 2-min intervals.

Study summary

The aim of this study is to investigate two different modalities of functional electrical stimulation (FES) leg exercise in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The primary outcomes being compared are 1. FES-induced leg aerobic fitness, and 2. FES-induced leg strength. There will be two FES-leg training groups, and sub-acute patients with SCI will be randomised between the groups - high-short \[HI-SHORT\] and low-long \[LO-LONG\]. Both groups (n=10 per group) will exercise on the Hasomed RehaStim™ exercise ergometer for 6-8 weeks, three-four times per week (24 therapy sessions). \[HI-SHORT\] will perform 10 x 2-min of high-intensity interval training with a recovery of 1-2 min between exercise bouts. \[LO-LONG\] will perform 20+ min of continuous exercise at a low-moderate exercise intensity. Exercise intensity for \[HI-SHORT\] and \[LO-LONG\] will be titrated by neuromuscular stimulation characteristics. The primary outcomes will be assessed before training commences and after 6-8 weeks of training has been completed.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Aerobic Fitness — Day 0 to 6 weeks
  Change of Peak Oxygen Uptake - VO2peak (L/min)

Trial sites (1)

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