Abstract
Muscle atrophy is a primary health concern in individuals suffering from spinal cord injury (SCI). This change occurs as a result of the injury and subsequent limited mobility. The population of people with incomplete SCI appears to be increasing. Rehabilitation and fitness professionals should strive to better understand how an individual's capabilities can be improved by focusing on the potential to impact and improve functional abilities and promote wellness in this population. PURPOSE: To understand the effect of utilizing a periodized resistance training (RT) program in addition to a body weight supported aerobic exercise program on improving strength, endurance, and quality of gait for a community-dwelling ambulatory individual with a chronic incomplete SCI. METHODS: The participant was a 38 year old male with a chronic L1 ASIA D SCI. He completed a 12 week whole body periodized RT and flexibility program involving the innervated muscle groups of his upper and lower extremities. The intervention included cardiovascular endurance training once a week on a body weight supported treadmill along with twice weekly RT sessions. The periodization model included mesocycles involving one week of an adaptation period followed by three weeks of muscular endurance training, four weeks of strength training, and four weeks of power training. Outcomes measures include 1 repetition maximum testing (1RM), the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), manual muscle testing (MMT), modified Ashworth test for spasticity, body composition, and joint range of motion (ROM). RESULTS: The most significant improvements were seen in 1 RM testing and 6MWT. Upper body strength as measured by 1 RM chest press improved by 30 lbs (22%). Lower body strength as measured by the 1RM leg press improved by 25 lbs (13%). Improvement in the 6MWT was 107 feet or 9.7%. No other significant trends were identified. CONCLUSION: Strength gains through periodized RT were evident for this individual with chronic incomplete SCI. Strength gains occurred as seen through the objective 1RM testing measures looking at the upper and lower body as a whole. Functional improvements in ambulation distance, endurance, and walking speed are seen in the results of the 6MWT. Training in a periodized fashion appears to be a viable option for further study with this population.