Functional Electrical Stimulation With Rowing as Exercise After Spinal Cord Injury

Development of a Spinal Cord Injury-specific Exercise-based Capacity

Currently, those with spinal cord injury (SCI) demonstrate increased prevalence of obesity (75%) cardiovascular disease (30 - 50%), type II diabetes (21%) and osteoporosis in the legs (100%) when compared to the general population. It is important to identify the modes and intensities of exercise most likely to generate a reduction in these inactivity-related diseases in this population.

Therefore, the main purpose of this pilot research project is to implement and test a form of a spinal cord injury-specific exercise, known as FES rowing (FES: functional electrical stimulation).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Have a spinal cord injury, C5-T12 (level), AIS A-D (severity)
• Be aged 18-75 for duration of study
• Medically stable and healthy enough to complete exercise requirements
• Willing and able to complete the at-home training requirements as prescribed
• Willing and able to complete the exercise sessions as prescribed
• Willing and able to complete the VO2 testing throughout the study
• Willing and able to complete the DEXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scans during the study
• Able to understand and follow written or verbal instructions from study staff

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current pressure ulcer(s) at sites of electrical stimulation
• Previous spontaneous or low-impact leg fracture
• Previous diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (ie enlarged heart, heart murmur)
• Unsatisfactory results of EKG (electrocardiogram) screening test
• Known thyroid dysfunction
• Kidney disease
• Cancer
• Blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg
• Currently taking blood pressure medication
• History of epilepsy
• Current hand, arm or shoulder injury
• Current deep vein thrombosis
• Implanted electronic cardiac device (pace maker, defibrillator, etc)
• Ventilator-dependent
• Unable to follow written and verbal instructions