Effects of an Adaptive Exercise Program on Inflammation After Spinal Cord Injury.

Abstract

Background Chronic inflammation contributes to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, the leading causes of death in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). People with SCI tend to have higher inflammation levels than able-bodied individuals and are often physically inactive despite the anti-inflammatory benefits of exercise. Objectives This study evaluated whether an adaptive exercise program could reduce inflammation in individuals with SCI. Methods Twenty-four individuals with SCI were randomized to either an immediate start (intervention) or delayed start (control) group. The 12-week intervention consisted of 1-hour exercise sessions, 3 times per week, including moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, resistance training, and flexibility exercises. Results Twenty-four participants (mean age 53), primarily White males, were enrolled. The intervention group demonstrated a 59% greater reduction in IL-6 compared to controls (P = .02), while other biomarkers (CRP, TNF-α, IL-1RA) showed no significant differences. Strength significantly improved in the intervention group; however, no changes were observed in cardiovascular fitness. Conclusion While the results of the study are mixed, there is some evidence that adaptive exercise could reduce inflammation in individuals with SCI. Future studies with larger samples and longer follow-up periods could explore the maintenance of these effects and their influence on long-term clinical outcomes.