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.
Department of Exercise Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
Edward T
ET
Mahoney
C Scott
CS
Bickel
Christopher
C
Elder
Christopher
C
Black
Jill M
JM
Slade
David
D
Apple
Gary A
GA
Dudley
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