RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06259227

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Training in Patients with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Personalized Cardiorespiratory Fitness Training in Patients with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury During Primary Rehabilitation

Sponsor

Sint Maartenskliniek

Enrollment

32 participants

Start Date

Jan 11, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Exercise Training

Summary

The goal of this exploratory randomized controlled trial is to assess the effect of a personalized training intervention during primary rehabilitation of 6 weeks on cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with subacute (\<6 months) spinal cord injury during primary rehabilitation and during follow-up. Secondary outcomes include the effect on gait assessments, pulmonary function, neurological status, muscle force, cardiometabolic risk factors, quality of life, functional independence and self-efficacy. Participants in the intervention group will receive 2-3 personalized cardiorespiratory fitness-focused training sessions per week, for a period of 6 weeks. Participants in the control group will receive usual care.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria8

Diagnosis of incomplete spinal cord injury based on a stable cause (e.g. traumatic)
Spinal cord injury classification C or D on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale
During this study in the subacute phase (\< 6 months post injury)
Hospitalized in the Sint Maartenskliniek for a primary, inpatient rehabilitation program
Older than 18 years of age
Able to understand and perform study related procedures
Capable to sit at least 3 times a day for 2 hours (prerequisites to start the active rehabilitation program)
The ability to use an arm ergometer

Exclusion Criteria4

Unable to give informed consent
Language barrier
Participating in another interventional study targeting cardiorespiratory fitness
Have contraindications to perform exercise during the rehabilitation program

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Interventions

OTHERCardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) training

The CRF training will take place on an arm cycle ergometer, or on an recumbent cross trainer. The duration and intensity of these 2 CRF gait training sessions will be determined by scientific exercise guidelines. A practical way of increasing vigorous-intensity exercise is high-intensity interval training (HIIT). The HIIT intervention consist of 2-3 trainings per week, with each exercise session including a 5-minute warm-up, 30-second interval periods (with a power output up to 90% of the peak power output (PPO)), and 30-second recovery periods. There are 5 minutes of 50% of PPO between interval periods. The number of interval periods increases during the intervention period, resulting in a maximum total training time of 35 minutes.