Walk-Training Program for Individuals With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Benefits of a Walk-Training Program on Cardiovascular Health in Individuals With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the common leading cause of death among people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and occurs at an early age in people with SCI as compared to able-bodied people. The findings are consistent in demonstrating a high prevalence of CVD among people with SCI. Lack of physical activity and/or prolonged sitting which is observed in people with SCI due to impaired/loss of motor function is associated with increased risk factors of CVD. By doing this study, researchers hope to learn the effects of walking training on cardiovascular health among people with chronic SCI.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals between 18 and 60 years old, who have paraplegia (T1-L2) SCI, and who are scored less than 5 in Functional Independence Measure, Locomotion: Walk
• The onset of SCI must be one year or more at the beginning of the study
• Participants must not be participating in any other similar gait training activities
• Participants must have medical approval from their physician to participate in walk-training

Exclusion Criteria:

• Major Cardiovascular diseases
• Other neurological diseases
• Muscle spasticity (greater than 3 according to Ashworth scale)
• Severe orthopedic issues such as joint stiffness and fractures
• Osteoporosis (bone mineral density T-score less than - 2.5)[155]
• Inflammatory diseases or infections
• Open wound and pressure ulcer
• Pregnant women
• Cognitive or psychiatric disorders
• Uncontrolled autonomic dysreflexia; sudden increase in blood pressure