Evaluation of a Hybrid Prototype Strategy (Electrostimulation of Lower Limb Muscles Associated With Voluntary Strengthening of the Upper Limbs) in Reconditioning to Effort in Patients With Chronic Paraplegia.

Evaluation of a Hybrid Prototype Strategy (Electrostimulation of Lower Limb Muscles Associated With Voluntary Strengthening of the Upper Limbs) in Reconditioning to Effort in Patients With Chronic Paraplegia.

This single-centre study was carried out in collaboration with the Cardiovascular Research Laboratory of Harvard University (Boston, USA). This preliminary study does not include a control group.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a hybrid reconditioning programme (electrostimulation of the lower limb muscles associated with voluntary strengthening of the upper limbs) on a specially developed rowing machine in patients presenting stabilized paraplegia of a traumatic origin. This study will bear on the increase in maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) between the start and end of the 9-month reconditioning programme.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female patients with paraplegia, ageb between 18 and 45 years
• Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 29.9
• 2 to 15 years after the accident, ASIA A or B, lesion situated between T3 and T12
• Medically stable
• Able to follow instructions
• Persons who have provided written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Persons without national health insurance cover
• Arterial blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg, arrythmia, heart disease, diabetes, impaired kidney function, cancer
• smoking-induced intoxication,
• Medical treatment for cardiovascular disease or antidepressants
• Orthostatic hypotension with a symptomatic fall in arterial pressure > 30 mmHg in the vertical position
• Grade 2 or more pressure sores
• Other associated neurological diseases (e.g. cerebrovascular accident, peripheral neuropathy, myopathy)
• Any disease affecting the shoulder that may compromise the ability to use the rowing machine.
• Coagulation disorders;
• Presence of an implanted electronic device
• Epilepsy