Recent studies have shown how routine exercise helps to curb the limitations and subsequent complications of a spinal cord injury. Depending upon the location and severity of a spinal cord injury, impairments can range from numbness or stinging in the feet and toes all the way to difficulty breathing and swallowing. Rehabilitation is recommended in the majority of SCI cases. Exercise has also been proven to benefit all SCI patients, including both complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries.
Exercise Study Proves Beneficial for SCI Patients
Back in 2003, a study conducted by the Centre for Health Promotion and Rehabilitation, at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, observed the effects of exercise on 34 SCI patients over periods of 3, 6 and 9 months. Patients were between ages 19 and 65, and several baselines for strength, quality of life and psychological well-being were established. Participants exercised twice weekly for about 2-3 hours each time.
The study concluded with participants reporting significantly less pain, stress and depression after training, with greater satisfaction in their physical function, level of perceived health and overall quality of life. The study’s results thus demonstrated that long-term twice-weekly exercise training in SCI patients is beneficial, and results in significant gains in both physical and psychological well-being.
Exercise and Physical Training for Patients Recovering from SCI
Recently, several articles were written about a Missouri man in his mid-twenties, Zach Young, who suffered a complete SCI a few years ago. Young is paralyzed and will likely never regain the use of his legs. Young was active as a teenager, before his injury. After the injury, he began training to race with a hand-cycle and explained how good training (and eventually racing) made him feel:
“You know, working out physically, the endorphin rush, the social aspect of being around other athletes, being able to talk to people … just contribute to overall better health, total health,”
Young’s statement has been proven by medical science. Exercise benefits spinal cord injury patients in the same ways it benefits non-injured persons. However, spinal cord injured patients that don’t exercise are more susceptible to certain health problems, including secondary complications such as urinary tract infections, pressure sores and respiratory illness. Physical activity can also help SCI patients to better manage other specific problems such as spasticity, weight gain and chronic pain. Inactivity and obesity in SCI patients has a tendency to lead to significant health and quality of life functions down the road.
Finding Exercise and Physical Training Options
The 2003 study and countless personal testimonials from spinal cord injured individuals have proven that patients with spinal cord injuries who exercise enjoy better outcomes, independence, and quality of life compared to those who do not establish a weekly regimen of physical training. Most spinal cord injury patients will spend time in rehabilitation after they’ve been stabilized in a hospital setting. Its a good idea to start exploring exercise options early and to get treatment specialists and physical therapists involved in short-term and long-term exercise plans.
Exercise programs can range from therapeutic standing to progressive resistance exercises and should be tailored to meet the unique needs and specific capabilities of each individual. Prior to beginning an exercise program, it is important to consult with a physician. It can be helpful to consider special SCI-friendly facilities with experienced personnel and adaptive equipment.
References:
The Miami Project
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