Hybrid Functional Electrical Stimulation Exercise Training Alters the Relationship Between Spinal Cord Injury Level and Aerobic Capacity

Objective To test the hypothesis that hybrid functional electrical stimulation (FES) row training would improve aerobic capacity but that it would remain strongly linked to level of spinal cord lesion because of limited maximal ventilation. Design Longitudinal before–after trial of 6 months of FES row training. Setting Exercise for persons with disabilities program in a hospitaL. Participants Volunteers (N=14; age range, 21–63y) with complete spinal cord injury (SCI) (T3-11) who are >2 years postinjury. Intervention Six months of FES row training preceded by a variable period of FES strength training. Main Outcome Measures Peak aerobic capacity and peak exercise ventilation before and after…