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Reduction of exercise-mediated endothelial dysfunction markers in sedentary adults with chronic spinal cord injury

Abstract:

Background and objective Recent studies have found increased markers of endothelial activation in men with chronic spinal cord injury. This study was conducted to determine the effects of arm-cranking exercise on endothelial dysfunction in male adults with chronic SCI. Method A prospective randomized study of 17 sedentary adult males with chronic SCI at or under T5 level. Nine performed a supervised exercise program at a moderate intensity (arm-cranking: 12 weeks, 3 sessions/week). Plasma levels of endothelin-1, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 (sICAM-1), and soluble vascular adhesion molecule type 1 (sVCAM-1) were assessed by ELISA. Outcome measurements also included physical fitness and total body fat mass percentage. Results We observed both in the randomized and in the before-after studies a significant reduction of the levels of endothelin-1 and sICAM-1. Furthermore, significant improvements of both physical fitness and body composition were also found. Conclusion Arm-cranking exercise improved endothelial dysfunction in adult males with chronic SCI. Long-term studies are still required to determine whether the correction of endothelial dysfunction improves the clinical outcomes of adults with chronic SCI.