Effect of kayak ergometer training on trunk control, independence and the cardiovascular condition in individuals with a spinal cord injury

Abstract

Study Design. One of the main objectives in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation programs is the improvement of trunk control to achieve independence, to prevent complications and, in specific cases, to walk. Objective. To determine the effect of kayak ergometer training in trunk control, cardiovascular condition and independence in individuals with a spinal cord injury. Setting. National Institute of Rehabilitation in Mexico City. Methods. Randomized clinical trial double blinded study. Individuals with SCI of any etiology, with a neurologic level of C8 and below, with three months to one year since injury were included. The subjects were randomized to a control group with neuro proprioceptive facilitation exercises focused in trunk control and to an experimental group with kayak ergometer training. Both groups received 5 weekly sessions for 6 weeks. Results. 18 individuals for each training group concluded the 6-week sessions, with an age of 29.33 ± 7.78 SD. 72.2% were men with complete injuries (77.8%), and the majority had lower thoracic injuries (58.4%). At the final measurements, the kayak ergometer group showed significant improvement in trunk control (p=0.032), maximum oxygen uptake ((p<0.001) and in metabolic equivalents (p=0.002) compared to the conventional therapy group. Conclusions. Kayak ergometer training is superior to conventional exercise (to improve trunk control and cardiovascular function in individuals with SCI.