Article

The typically sedentary spinal cord injured population has limited
physical activity options because of muscle paralysis, difficulties in
transportation, and barriers to access rehabilitation/wellness facilities. It is
important to investigate physical activity alternatives to increase physical
activity levels and decrease the risk of inactivity-derived diseases. The goal of
this study was to determine the effects of a home-based functional electrical
stimulation cycling program on exercise adherence of those with spinal cord
injury. DESIGN: Seventeen Veterans with posttraumatic C4-T11 American Spinal
Injury Association Impairment Scale A-C spinal cord injury participated in two
8-wk exercise periods of home-based functional electrical stimulation lower
extremity cycling. Exercise adherence and the effects of six factors thought to
influence exercise adherence were studied during both exercise periods. RESULTS:
Exercise adherence rates for exercise periods 1 and 2 were 71.7% and 62.9%,
respectively. Age, history of exercise, and pain not associated with the exercise
activity were determined to have significant impact on exercise adherence rates.
CONCLUSIONS: Exercise adherence rates were well above the reported 35% in the
able-bodied population, which provides evidence for the feasibility of a
home-based functional electrical stimulation lower extremity cycling program.
Younger adults with a history of being physically active have the highest potential for exercise adherence.

Langue : ANGLAIS