Resistance Training in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Principles and Benefits
Keywords:
Exercise, Resistance training, Spinal cord injuryAbstract
Spinal cord injury results in limitations in daily functional activities and quality of life. Therefore, physical rehabilitation is crucial for restoring functional independence. Resistance training (RT) is one of the most effective methods of rehabilitation. This article aims to review the literature about RT in rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), including principles, benefits, and potential adverse events. Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Thai Journal Online (ThaiJO) for clinical trials published between 2013 and 2023, focusing on RT in SCI. Two independent reviewers selected studies based on title, abstract, and full text. Subsequently, reviewers extracted data, including study methods, intervention protocols, results, and reported adverse events. Fourteen studies were included for review. The review found that RT not only increases muscle strength but also positively affects functional ability and cardiovascular fitness. The types of exercises commonly used include progressive resistance training, circuit training, and manual resistance training. A non-serious adverse event of muscle soreness was occasionally reported. RT demonstrates potential for enhancing physical health and functional activity in SCI. Consideration of precautions according to health condition should be a concern to prevent adverse effects. Due to the limited number of studies, further research involving larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up assessments is recommended.
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