Evaluating the efficacy of functional electrical stimulation therapy assisted walking after chronic motor incomplete spinal cord injury: effects on bone biomarkers and bone strength.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the efficacy of functional electrical stimulation therapy-assisted walking (FES-T) versus conventional aerobic and resistance training (CONV) on bone biomarkers and lower extremity bone strength in adults with chronic motor incomplete spinal cord injury.
Results Summary
FES-T improved bone turnover (increased osteocalcin and decreased CTX) but did not enhance bone strength. No significant changes were observed in the CONV group or in sclerostin levels.
Population
Adults with chronic (≥18 months) motor incomplete spinal cord injury (C2-T12 AIS C-D).
Effective Dosage
45 minutes, thrice weekly.
Duration
4 months.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
functional electrical stimulation therapy assisted walking (FES-T) | decrease | CTX | adults with chronic motor incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) | - | had a decrease | #1 |
functional electrical stimulation therapy assisted walking (FES-T) | increase | OC | adults with chronic motor incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) | - | significant increase | #2 |
conventional aerobic and resistance training (CONV) | no change | bone biomarkers | adults with chronic motor incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) | - | Significant biomarker changes were not observed | #3 |
functional electrical stimulation therapy assisted walking (FES-T) | no change | sclerostin | adults with chronic motor incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) | - | No within or between group differences from baseline were observed | #4 |
functional electrical stimulation therapy assisted walking (FES-T) | no change | bone strength | adults with chronic motor incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) | - | No within or between group differences from baseline were observed | #5 |
conventional aerobic and resistance training (CONV) | no change | sclerostin | adults with chronic motor incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) | - | No within or between group differences from baseline were observed | #6 |
conventional aerobic and resistance training (CONV) | no change | bone strength | adults with chronic motor incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) | - | No within or between group differences from baseline were observed | #7 |
Four months of FES-T | increase | bone turnover | individuals with chronic SCI | - | improved | #8 |
Four months of FES-T | no change | bone strength | individuals with chronic SCI | - | not | #9 |
OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of functional electrical stimulation therapy assisted walking (FES-T) compared to a conventional aerobic and resistance training (CONV) with respect to bone biomarkers and lower extremity bone strength outcomes among adults with chronic motor incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Parallel group randomized controlled trial ( www.clinicaltrials.gov - NCT0020196819). Site: Tertiary academic rehabilitation centre in Canada. METHODS: Adults with chronic (≥18 months) motor incomplete SCI (C2-T12 AIS C-D) were consented and randomized to FES-T or CONV training for 45 minutes thrice-weekly for 4 months. Osteocalcin (OC), β-cross laps (CTX) and sclerostin were assessed at baseline, and 4 months. Similarly, total hip, distal femur and proximal tibia region bone mineral density (BMD) via DXA (4500A, Hologic Inc. Waltham, MA, USA) and tibia bone quality via pQCT (Stratec XCT-2000, Mezintecknik, Pforzheim, Germany) were assessed at baseline, 4, and 12 months. Between group differences were analyzed using repeated measures general linear models. RESULTS: Thirty-four participants (17 FES-T, 17 CONV) consented and were randomized, 27 participants completed the 4-month intervention and 12-month outcome assessments. Participants in the FES-T arm had a decrease in CTX and a significant increase in OC at intervention completion (P<0.05). Significant biomarker changes were not observed in the CONV group. No within or between group differences from baseline were observed in sclerostin or bone strength. CONCLUSIONS: Four months of FES-T improved bone turnover (increase in OC and decrease in CTX) but not bone strength among individuals with chronic SCI. Future, long term FES-T may augment lower extremity bone strength.