Changes in skeletal muscle size and glucose tolerance with electrically stimulated resistance training in subjects with chronic spinal cord injury.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of residence-based, resistance exercise training (RET) on affected skeletal muscle size and glucose tolerance after long-standing, complete spinal cord injury (SCI).


METHODS
Before-after trial.


METHODS
University laboratory trial.


METHODS
Five men with chronic, complete SCI (C5-T9).


METHODS
Magnetic resonance images of the thighs and an oral glucose tolerance test were performed before and after RET. Subjects performed RET with both thighs, 2 d/wk for 4 sets of 10 unilateral, dynamic knee extensions for 12 weeks. Neuromuscular electric stimulation induced RET by activating the knee extensors.


METHODS
Quadriceps femoris muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), plasma glucose, and insulin concentrations were measured before and after RET. Results Skeletal muscle CSA increased by 35% in the right quadriceps femoris (from 32.6 cm2 to 44.0 cm2) and by 39% in the left quadriceps femoris (from 34.6 cm2 to 47.9 cm2) as a result of training (P < .05). There were no significant changes in blood glucose or insulin after training. However, a trend for a reduction in plasma glucose levels was observed (P = .074). Conclusions Affected skeletal muscle can achieve substantial hypertrophy years after SCI with resistance exercise. Furthermore, our results suggest that this type of training may enhance glucose disposal.
Mahoney
Edward T
ET
Department of Exercise Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
Bickel
C Scott
CS
Elder
Christopher
C
Black
Christopher
C
Slade
Jill M
JM
Apple
David
D
Dudley
Gary A
GA
D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000473:pathology*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000628:therapy*
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin