The effects of functional electrical stimulation leg cycle ergometry training on arterial compliance in individuals with spinal cord injury.

Study design:A prospective intervention of functional electrical stimulation leg cycle ergometry (FES-LCE) of four women with spinal cord injury (SCI).Objective:To evaluate the effect of FES-LCE training on arterial compliance in individuals with chronic SCI of traumatic origin.Setting:Tertiary rehabilitation center in Canada.Methods:Large and small artery compliance were measured at the radial artery before and after a 3-month training program using FES-LCE.Results:There was no significant change in large artery compliance after FES-LCE (16.0±4.2 to 16.8±6.1 ml mm Hg−1 × 10, P=NS). There was a marked (63%) increase in small artery compliance after the FES training program (4.2±1.8 to 6.9±3.2 ml mm Hg−1 × 100, P<0.05).Conclusion:It appears that FES-LCE is effective in improving small artery compliance in females with SCI.Spinal Cord (2008) 46, 722–726; doi:10.1038/sc.2008.34; published online 15 April 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]