Intensive exercise program after spinal cord injury (SCIPA full-on): A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction/Background: While upper body training is effective for improving aerobic fitness and muscle strength after spinal cord injury (SCI), activity-based therapies (ABT) intended to activate the paralysed extremities have been reported to promote neurological improvement. We investigated the effectiveness of intensive ABT compared with upper body training for people with SCI. Material and method: One hundred and sixteen participants (C2-T12, AIS A-D) were recruited from six SCI units in Australia and New Zealand, and randomised to experimental or control groups. Experimental participants received a 12-week ABT program including locomotor training, functional electrical stimulation-as..