Does early exercise attenuate muscle atrophy or bone loss after spinal cord injury?

Abstract

Objectives:To systematically identify and assess the evidence on the efficacy of exercise initiated early after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods:A comprehensive search (Any-2014) of eleven databases identified studies evaluating exercise interventions initiated within 12 weeks after SCI on muscle and bone loss in paralyzed limbs and comparing with standard care or immobilization. Two reviewers assessed methodological quality. One reviewer extracted data and critiqued results according to the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Evidence body of evidence framework.Results:A total of 2811 titles were screened. Eleven studies were included: five randomized controlled trials, four cohort ..