Resistance training and locomotor recovery after incomplete spinal cord injury: a case series.
METHODS
Longitudinal intervention case series.


OBJECTIVE
To determine if a 12-week resistance and plyometric training program results in improved muscle function and locomotor speed after incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).


METHODS
University research setting.


METHODS
Three ambulatory individuals with chronic (18.7+/-2.2 months post injury) motor incomplete SCI completed 12 weeks of lower extremity resistance training combined with plyometric training (RPT). Muscle maximum cross-sectional area (max-CSA) of the knee extensor (KE) and plantar flexor (PF) muscle groups was determined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition, peak isometric torque, time to peak torque (T (20-80)), torque developed within the initial 220 ms of contraction (torque(220)) and average rate of torque development (ARTD) were calculated as indices of muscle function. Maximal as well as self-selected gait speeds were determined pre- and post-RPT during which the spatio-temporal characteristics, kinematics and kinetics of gait were measured.


RESULTS
RPT resulted in improved peak torque production in the KE (28.9+/-4.4%) and PF (35.0+/-9.1%) muscle groups, as well as a decrease in T(20-80), an increased torque(220) and an increase ARTD in both muscle groups. In addition, an increase in self-selected (pre-RPT=0.77 m/s; post-RPT=1.03 m/s) and maximum (pre-RPT=1.08 m/s; post-RPT=1.47 m/s) gait speed was realized. Increased gait speeds were accompanied by bilateral increases in propulsion and hip excursion as well as increased lower extremity joint powers.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of lower extremity RPT can attenuate existing neuromuscular impairments and improve gait speed in persons after incomplete SCI.
Gregory
C M
CM
NF/SG Veterans Health System, Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Bowden
M G
MG
Jayaraman
A
A
Shah
P
P
Behrman
A
A
Kautz
S A
SA
Vandenborne
K
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004576:Electromyography; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D007717:Knee; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D053581:Muscle Strength Dynamometer; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises / Q000379:methods; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*