A randomized trial of functional electrical stimulation for walking in incomplete spinal cord injury: effects on body composition.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To evaluate the effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES)-assisted walking on body composition, compared to a non-FES exercise program in individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI).

Design

Parallel-group randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Individuals with chronic (≥ 18 months) incomplete SCI (level C2 to T12, AIS C or D) were recruited and randomized to FES-assisted walking (intervention), or aerobic and resistance training (control) sessions thrice-weekly for 16 weeks. Whole body and leg lean mass and whole body fat mass, measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and lower-limb muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and fat CSA, measured with peripheral computed tomography were assessed at baseline, 4 months, and 12 months. Intention-to-treat a

SUBMITTER: Giangregorio L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3459564 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature