Leg exercises through standing, cycling and walking with/without FES may be used to preserve lower limb muscle and bone health in persons with physical disability due to SCI. This study sought to examine the effectiveness of leg exercises on bone mineral density and muscle cross-sectional area based on their clinical efficacy in persons with SCI. Several literature databases were searched for potential eligible studies from the earliest return date to January 2022. The primary outcome targeted was the change in muscle mass/volume and bone mineral density as measured by CT, MRI and similar devices. Relevant studies indicated that persons with SCI that undertook FES- and frame-supported leg exercise exhibited better improvement in muscle and bone health preservation in comparison to those who were confined to frame-assisted leg exercise only. However, this observation is only valid for exercise initiated early (i.e., within 3 months after injury) and for ≥30 min/day for ≥ thrice a week and for up to 24 months or as long as desired and/or tolerable. Consequently, apart from the positive psychological effects on the users, leg exercise may reduce fracture rate and its effectiveness may be improved if augmented with FES.
Keywords: functional electrical stimulation; leg exercise; lower limb muscle and bone; spinal cord injury.
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