Effectiveness of home training program to improve health and physical fitness of individuals with spinal cord injury

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a home training program using web-based services to manage obesity and improve functional independence in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Patients and methods: Fifteen individuals (12 males, 3 females; mean age: 40.7±10.8 years; range, 28 to 60 years) with SCI paraplegia were included in the study conducted between August 2020 and December 2020. All participants remotely completed a six-week resistance program using Thera-Band with the aid of training videos. The program comprised chest press, lateral raise, front raise, shoulder press, and arm curl exercises, performed for five sets of 8 to 10 repetitions, and exercise intensity was increased by 5% each week. Results: Lean body mass (p=0.042) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (p=0.038) increased, and C-reactive protein levels decreased without significance. Significant improvements were observed in the 6-min push test (p=0.009), peak oxygen uptake (VO 2 peak; p<0.001), VO 2 peak/kg (p<0.001), VO 2 (p=0.004), VO 2 /kg (p=0.002), and ventilation (p=0.019), while statistically insignificant increases were observed in the respiratory exchange ratio, maximum inspiratory pressure/mean, maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure/mean, maximum expiratory pressure, and shoulder and chest press weights. Heart rate values decreased without significance. Arm curl repetitions (left, p=0.008; right, p=0.032) and lateral pull weight increased (p=0.038). Conclusion: Home training using Thera-Band is feasible for persons with SCI to manage obesity and improve cardiopulmonary function, muscle strength, and endurance. It can facilitate the maintenance of physical activity in individuals with SCI who have limited mobility and access to training facilities.