Neuromuscular electrical stimulation resistance training enhances oxygen uptake and ventilatory efficiency independent of mitochondrial complexes after spinal cord injury: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Leg oxygen uptake (V̇o2) peak, ventilatory efficiency (V̇E/V̇co2 ratio), and substrate utilization were measured during functional electrical stimulation cycling FES-LEC testing following 12–16 wk of either electrically evoked resistance training or passive movement training; indirect calorimetry and mitochondrial complex levels in muscle biopsies were also determined. FES-LEC increased thigh muscle area and leg V̇o2 peak increased but decreased V̇E/V̇co2 ratio; there were no changes in mitochondrial complex levels. Leg V̇o2 peak was associated with hypertrophy of the paralyzed muscles and mitochondrial respiration of complex I following training.