ddd Spasticity and pain and the improvement of muscle strength in athletes with partial spinal cord injury

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F00216208%3A11510%2F25%3A10496868" target="_blank" >RIV/00216208:11510/25:10496868 - isvavai.cz</a>

Result on the web

<a href="https://verso.is.cuni.cz/pub/verso.fpl?fname=obd_publikace_handle&handle=VQYxOWLYhn" target="_blank" >https://verso.is.cuni.cz/pub/verso.fpl?fname=obd_publikace_handle&handle=VQYxOWLYhn</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.29359/BJHPA.17.1.10" target="_blank" >10.29359/BJHPA.17.1.10</a>

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

ddd Spasticity and pain and the improvement of muscle strength in athletes with partial spinal cord injury

Original language description

Spasticity and chronic pain are common secondary complications following spinal cord injury (SCI), significantly impacting functional recovery and quality of life. Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) using the Lokomat has been proposed as an effective rehabilitation method to improve motor function and reduce these symptoms. However, the impact of training frequency on rehabilitation outcomes remains unclear, particularly in athletes and physically active individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Lokomat training on spasticity reduction, pain alleviation, and improvements in gait function and lower limb muscle strength in athletes and physically active individuals with partial SCI. A total of 45 participants (AIS B-D, chronic SCI) were randomly assigned to three groups: group A (n = 15): Lokomat training once per week, group B (n = 15): Lokomat training twice per week, and group C (n = 15): conventional rehabilitation (control group). Spasticity (SCI-SET), pain (VAS), gait function (WISCI II), and muscle strength (LEMS) were assessed at baseline, week 6, and week 12. Group B (2x/week) demonstrated the greatest improvements, with spasticity and pain reductions of similar to 50% (p &lt; 0.01, large effect sizes). Gait function (WISCI II) and muscle strength (LEMS) significantly improved compared to Group A (1x/week) and Group C (p &lt; 0.05). Group A showed moderate improvements, while Group C exhibited minimal, non-significant changes. Higher Lokomat training frequency (2x/week) significantly enhances spasticity reduction, pain relief, gait function, and muscle strength recovery. These findings support intensive RAGT protocols for SCI rehabilitation, particularly in athletes seeking optimal functional recovery. A minimum of 2 sessions per week is recommended for maximal neuroplasticity-driven recovery, reinforcing the importance of training intensity and consistency in SCI rehabilitation.

Czech name

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Czech description

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Type

J_imp - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database

CEP classification

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OECD FORD branch

30306 - Sport and fitness sciences

Project

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Continuities

I - Institucionalni podpora na dlouhodoby koncepcni rozvoj vyzkumne organizace

Publication year

2025

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Name of the periodical

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

ISSN

2080-1297

e-ISSN

2080-9999

Volume of the periodical

17

Issue of the periodical within the volume

1

Country of publishing house

PL - POLAND

Number of pages

17

Pages from-to

10

UT code for WoS article

001450991300002

EID of the result in the Scopus database

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