Effects of high-intensity and progressive volume resistance training on functional, mental states, and quality of life of people with spinal cord injury

To establish the effect of high-intensity and progressive volume resistance training (HIRT), on general health, functional, mental status, and quality of life (QOL) indicators in people with spinal cord injury (SCI).

The sample consisted of five people with SCI of both sexes, aged 46.2 ± 13.9 years, submitted to 12 weeks of HIRT, twice a week. We analyzed before and after the 12 weeks of intervention: body composition, muscle strength, functional status, perception of mental status, and QOL, using the following tests: dual-energy X-ray densitometry, 1RM, isometry of biceps, elbow flexion, Wingate, zigzag, medicine ball pitch, Beck inventory (anxiety, depression, and mental disorder) and SF-36.

The results pointed to an increase in the training load, the total bone mineral content (p = 0.043), the muscle power at 80% of 1RM (p = 0.043), the functional state (anaerobic power [MD = 6.81%; p = 0.043] and explosive strength [mean difference (MD) = 30.57%; p = 0.043] of the shoulder girdle muscles), the mental state (MD = 71.46%; p = 0.006) and finally, improvement in QOL, especially in the functional (MD = 60.87%; p = 0.006) and social aspects (MD = 44.44%; p = 0.006).

HIRT can improve or maintain body composition, developing muscle power, anaerobic power, and explosive strength of the upper limbs that will impact functional capacity, promoting greater autonomy, with consequent reflex in improving mental state and of the QOL of the person with SCI.