Effects of resistance training on strength, pain and shoulder functionality in paraplegics.

STUDY DESIGN

Time series design.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of a shoulder resistance training programme on isokinetic and isometric strength, body composition, pain and functionality in paraplegic subjects.

SETTING

University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.

METHODS

A total of 15 subjects with thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) performed three testing sessions with an 8-week period between the sessions. Subjects were not disturbed between the first and the second testing sessions. Subjects performed an 8-week resistance training programme after the second testing session. Variations in isometric and isokinetic shoulder muscle strength, body composition, reported pain and shoulder functionality were evaluated.

RESULTS

The training programme produced a significant increase (P<0.05) in the isometric and isokinetic strength of several shoulder movements as well as an increase (P<0.05) in arm fat-free mass and a decrease in arm fat mass (FM). Furthermore, reported pain was decreased, (P<0.05) and upper-limb functionality was increased (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Implementing resistance training programmes as physical therapy in SCI subjects effectively increases strength, muscle mass and upper-limb functionality, whereas decreasing FM and pain perception.