Effects of a multicomponent exercise program on upper extremity strength, range of motion, cardiovascular endurance, and adherence in adults with spinal cord injury

This study aimed to examine upper extremity muscle strength, range of motion, and cardiovascular endurance in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) with attention paid to accessibility in built structures and adapted equipment that can facilitate exercise attendance and adherence. Eighteen participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 9) or the control (n = 9) group. Intervention group participants performed the exercise program using adapted weight machines for 75 minutes per session, twice a week for 10 weeks. This study collected measures of feasibility and assessed muscle strength, range of motion, and cardiovascular endurance. The median program attendance rate was 95% (range 80-100%). A linear mixed model showed significant group by time interaction effects in the overall upper extremity muscle strength (Δpost-pre: 61.3 kg, p < .001) and shoulder range of motion (Δpost -pre :94.4˚, p = .020), while insignificant effects on heart rates (p = .192). Ten weeks of exercise program in an accessible exercise environment is safe and feasible and could effectively improve upper extremity muscle strength and range of motion.