Effectiveness of FES-supported leg exercise for promotion of paralysed lower limb muscle and bone health-a systematic review.
Study Goal
The researchers sought to determine the effectiveness of leg exercises, including walking, on preserving bone mineral density and muscle cross-sectional area in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Results Summary
The study found that individuals with SCI who engaged in FES- and frame-supported leg exercises showed better improvements in muscle and bone health compared to those using frame-assisted exercises alone, particularly when initiated early (within 3 months post-injury) and performed for ≥30 minutes/day, ≥3 times/week for up to 24 months.
Population
Persons with physical disability due to spinal cord injury (SCI).
Effective Dosage
≥30 minutes/day, ≥3 times/week
Duration
Up to 24 months or as long as desired/tolerable
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
leg exercises through standing, cycling and walking with/without FES | no change | lower limb muscle and bone health | persons with physical disability due to SCI | - | may be used to preserve | #1 |
leg exercises | neutral | bone mineral density and muscle cross-sectional area | persons with SCI | - | effectiveness | #2 |
FES- and frame-supported leg exercise | increase | muscle and bone health preservation | persons with SCI | - | exhibited better improvement in | #3 |
leg exercise | decrease | fracture rate | - | - | may reduce | #4 |
leg exercise | increase | - | - | - | effectiveness may be improved | #5 |
Leg exercises through standing, cycling and walking with/without FES may be used to preserve lower limb muscle and bone health in persons with physical disability due to SCI. This study sought to examine the effectiveness of leg exercises on bone mineral density and muscle cross-sectional area based on their clinical efficacy in persons with SCI. Several literature databases were searched for potential eligible studies from the earliest return date to January 2022. The primary outcome targeted was the change in muscle mass/volume and bone mineral density as measured by CT, MRI and similar devices. Relevant studies indicated that persons with SCI that undertook FES- and frame-supported leg exercise exhibited better improvement in muscle and bone health preservation in comparison to those who were confined to frame-assisted leg exercise only. However, this observation is only valid for exercise initiated early (i.e., within 3 months after injury) and for ≥30 min/day for ≥ thrice a week and for up to 24 months or as long as desired and/or tolerable. Consequently, apart from the positive psychological effects on the users, leg exercise may reduce fracture rate and its effectiveness may be improved if augmented with FES.