Study Comparing Two Types of Functional Electrical Stimulation Training to Improve Leg Fitness After Spinal Cord Injury

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating two different types of functional electrical stimulation FES leg exercises for patients with spinal cord injury SCI. The study aims to compare FES-induced leg aerobic fitness and leg strength in adults aged 18 to 75 years who have motor complete SCI between spinal levels C7 and T10. Patients who are sub-acute, meaning more than 6 weeks post-trauma, will be included in this randomized trial. Participants will be assigned to one of two exercise groups a high-intensity interval training group HI-SHORT or a low-moderate continuous training group LO-LONG. Both groups will exercise using the Hasomed RehaStim ergometer three to four times weekly over 6 to 8 weeks, completing 24 therapy sessions. The HI-SHORT group will perform 10 intervals of 2 minutes each at high intensity with 1 to 2 minutes of rest between intervals, while the LO-LONG group will perform continuous leg exercise lasting 20 or more minutes at lower intensity. Exercise intensity is adjusted by the electrical stimulation current, ranging from about 90-150 milliamperes depending on the group and patient. Throughout the study, primary outcomes like aerobic fitness and secondary outcomes such as muscle oxygenation measured by near-infrared spectroscopy and leg strength will be assessed before training and after completing the 6 to 8 weeks of exercise. Participants must be able to perform FES muscle contractions and follow verbal instructions. Safety and progress will be monitored during the sessions, and the overall study participation spans the 6 to 8 week intervention period.

Investigation Into Optimal FES Training Characteristics After Spinal Cord Injury