Improved pulmonary function is associated with reduced inflammation after hybrid whole‐body exercise training in persons with spinal cord injury

Abstract

The current study was designed to test the hypotheses that (1) reducing systemic inflammation via a 12‐week functional electrical stimulation rowing exercise training (FESRT) prescription results in augmented pulmonary function, and (2) the magnitude of improvement in pulmonary function is inversely associated with the magnitude of systemic inflammation suppression in persons with sub‐acute (≤2 years) spinal cord injury (SCI). We conducted a retrospective analysis of a randomized controlled trial (NCT#02139436). Twenty‐one participants were enrolled (standard of care (SOC; n = 9) or FESRT (n = 12)). The exercise prescription was three sessions/week at 70–85% of peak heart rate. A two‐way analysis of covariance and regression analysis was used to assess group differences and associations between pulmonary function, log transformed high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRPlog) and white blood cell count (WBC). Following FESRT, clinically significant improvements in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1; 0.25 (0.08–0.43) vs. −0.06 (−0.26 to 0.15) litres) and forced vital capacity (0.22 (0.04–0.39) vs. 0.08 (−0.29 to 0.12) litres) were noted and systemic WBC (−1.45 (−2.48 to −0.50) vs. 0.41 (−0.74 to 1.56) μl) levels were suppressed compared to SOC (mean change (95% confidence interval); P < 0.05). Additionally, both ΔhsCRPlog and ΔWBC were predictors of ΔFEV1 (r 2 = 0.89 and 0.43, respectively; P < 0.05). Twelve weeks of FESRT improves pulmonary function and reduces WBC in persons with sub‐acute SCI. The potency of FESRT to augment pulmonary function may depend on adequate suppression of systemic inflammation.