608 EP054 – Unlocking enhanced exercise benefits: blood flow restriction for safer and more effective workouts in individuals with spinal cord injuries

Background People with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) commonly experience limb muscle atrophy and dysfunction, which reduce their ability to handle their activities of daily living and independence. High-intensity resistance exercise programs (60–80% of one's one-repetition maximum intensity -1RM) are considered the most effective intervention to improve muscle strength. However, many individuals with SCI do not engage in high-intensity exercise programs due to the risk of disabling upper limb muscle overuse injuries. Unlike high-resistance training programs, Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) exercise allows for significant muscle strength gains with lighter loads (20–40% of 1RM) compared to high-resistance training programs, while also preventing muscle overuse injuries. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and impact of eight weeks of low-intensity BFR exercise on forearm muscle strength and function in individuals with incomplete SCI. Methods Eleven male and female participants with a chronic SCI, aged 18 to 75, meeting specific criteria, were enrolled. Each participant underwent an 8-week BFR exercise program (16 sessions) targeting forearm muscles, with grip strength as the primary outcome measure. Participants also provided qualitative feedback on their experiences. Results The study's findings indicate a statistically significant increase in muscle strength in the intervention group compared to controls, highlighting BFR's potential in improving upper extremity strength in SCI individuals. Participants reported enhanced grip, strength-related tasks, and fine motor skills, improving their quality of life. Importantly, the BFR intervention was well-tolerated with minimal discomfort, and participants expressed high satisfaction. Conclusion This study highlights the potential of BFR exercise to safely and effectively improve upper extremity strength in individuals with SCI. The favourable results and participant satisfaction indicate that additional research and implementation of BFR exercise in clinical settings could greatly enhance the quality of life and functional independence of this population.