Eight weeks of functional training improve functional capacity and physical fitness in people with spinal cord injury after COVID-19 social distancing

Abstract

Introduction: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is associated with negative repercussions on health status, functionality and quality of life (QoL), which can be minimized by physical training. The pandemic of COVID-19, however, has favored increased sedentary
behavior among individuals with SCI. Objective: To carry out a narrative review on indirect field tests for assessing the physical fitness of individuals with SCI and to investigate the effect of eight weeks of functional training (FT) on the physical fitness,
functional capacity (FC) and QoL of individuals with SCI after the relaxation of social distancing measures by COVID-19. Methods: The research was carried out in the PubMed and Scielo databases, in Portuguese and English, and to investigate the effect, a prospective cohort was carried out with 14 participants with SCI. Variables: body composition (anthropometric measures); FC (battery of motor tests related to functional independence and Motor Assessment Scale); physical fitness (handgrip test (FPM); medicine ball throw; Illinois agility and 12 minutes walk) and QL (WHOQOLDIS). The exercise training was done 3x/week, with 60 minutes, and included strength, balance, and other exercises to develop functional abilities. Results: Improvements were observed in the FC, with higher scores in the instrument used (p=0.045), greater lateral functional range (p=0.035) and greater muscle strength of triceps (p=0.054); and improvement in physical fitness, by increasing dominant and non-dominant FPM (p=0.012 and p=0.032, respectively), upper limbs power (p=0.025) and reduced agility test time (p=0.052). Conclusion: Eight weeks of exercise training were associated with better fitness and WC profile of individuals with SCI. This effect was not observed in perceived QOL and body composition, which were maintained throughout the study period.