The effects of functional electrical stimulation leg cycle ergometry training on arterial compliance in individuals with spinal cord injury.
METHODS
A prospective intervention of functional electrical stimulation leg cycle ergometry (FES-LCE) of four women with spinal cord injury (SCI).


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of FES-LCE training on arterial compliance in individuals with chronic SCI of traumatic origin.


METHODS
Tertiary rehabilitation center in Canada.


METHODS
Large and small artery compliance were measured at the radial artery before and after a 3-month training program using FES-LCE.


RESULTS
There was no significant change in large artery compliance after FES-LCE (16.0+/-4.2 to 16.8+/-6.1 ml mm Hg(-1) x 10, P=NS). There was a marked (63%) increase in small artery compliance after the FES training program (4.2+/-1.8 to 6.9+/-3.2 ml mm Hg(-1) x 100, P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
It appears that FES-LCE is effective in improving small artery compliance in females with SCI.
Zbogar
D
D
Cardiovascular Physiology and Rehabilitation Laboratory, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada.
Eng
J J
JJ
Krassioukov
A V
AV
Scott
J M
JM
Esch
B T A
BT
Warburton
D E R
DE
D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003187:Compliance / Q000502:physiology*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D016552:Ergometry / Q000379:methods*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D017534:Radial Artery / Q000502:physiology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult