Cardiorespiratory Fitness Training in Patients with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Launched by SINT MAARTENSKLINIEK · Feb 5, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a personalized exercise program can improve heart and lung fitness in people who have recently experienced an incomplete spinal cord injury. The trial lasts for 6 weeks and aims to see if this tailored training can help improve not only physical fitness but also walking ability, breathing function, muscle strength, and overall quality of life for these patients. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will follow the personalized training plan with 2-3 sessions each week, while the other group will receive standard rehabilitation care.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be over 18 years old and diagnosed with an incomplete spinal cord injury that has a stable cause. They should also be within six months of their injury and currently receiving rehabilitation at the Sint Maartenskliniek hospital. Participants should be able to sit for a few hours each day and use an arm exercise machine. The study is currently recruiting, and anyone interested can inquire about their participation. This trial not only focuses on improving physical health but also aims to help participants gain more independence and confidence in their daily lives.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

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