This secondary analysis of a clinical trial investigated changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and activity levels in ambulatory persons with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) during the first year after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Thirty participants underwent maximal exercise tests and 6-minute walk tests (6MWT) at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months post-discharge. Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and daily steps were also monitored. While no significant between-group differences were found across exercise interventions, pooled data revealed significant increases in peak VO2, 6MWT distance, and TDEE over time. Daily steps did not show a significant increase. Ambulatory persons with SCI increased CRF levels over the first year post-discharge despite minimal increases in activity levels.

Matthijs F. Wouda, Eivind Lundgaard, Frank Becker, Vegard Strøm