Article

All randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort,
case-controlled, pre-post studies and case reports that assessed exercise
interventions, which influence arterial structure and function after spinal cord
injury (SCI), were included. OBJECTIVE: To review systematically the evidence for
exercise as a therapy to alter arterial function in persons with SCI. SETTING:
Literature searches were conducted for appropriate articles using several
electronic databases (e.g. MEDLINE, EMBASE). METHODS: Three independent reviewers
evaluated each investigation's quality, using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database
Scale for randomized controlled trials and Downs and Black Scale for all other
studies. Results were tabulated and levels of evidence assigned. RESULTS: A total
of 283 studies were found through the systematic literature search. Upon review
of the articles, 27 were included. The articles were separated into those
investigating arterial benefits, resulting from either acute bouts of exercise or
long-term exercise interventions. The ability of both acute and long-term
exercise interventions to improve arterial structure and function in those with
SCI was supported by limited to moderate methodological quality. Upper body
wheeling is the most commonly examined exercise therapy for improving arterial
function. It appears from the evidence that a variety of exercise interventions,
including passive exercise, upper body wheeling, functional electrical
stimulation and electrically stimulated resistance exercise, can improve arterial
function in those living with SCI. CONCLUSIONS: Although the quality and volume
of evidence is low, the literature supports exercise as a useful intervention
technique for improving arterial function in those with SCI.

Langue : ANGLAIS