SCI Research Update

Community-based Virtual Reality Group Exercise Training in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury 

SCIRF 2014 I – 01

Individuals who sustain a spinal cord injury many times become physically inactive, which leads to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain forms of cancer. Also, research demonstrates that the disability-related physical inactivity can cause a decrease in health-related quality of life. Some individuals with spinal cord injury may not want to incorporate exercise into their daily routine, but there may be another option.

Virtual reality (exercise computer games) in group settings are fun, increase motivation for exercise, and offer major advantages over traditional aerobic exercise programs, including increased safety and immediate feedback on how they are performing.

This study will first compare health and quality of life in individuals with spinal cord injury who are active versus those who are not active. Then it will see if increasing activity in the physically inactive group will improve health and quality of life.

It is expected that active individuals with spinal cord injury will have a better health and quality of life than inactive individuals with spinal cord injury. It is also expected that participating in eight weeks of group vocational rehabilitation hand cycle training in the community will improve health at eight weeks and three months compared to individuals with spinal cord injuries who do not participate in the exercise program.

More information about study recruitment will be provided at a later date.

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp