Changes in Corticospinal Plasticity Following 12 Weeks of Arm and Leg Cycling in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

This preliminary study evaluates the impact of a 12-week arm and leg cycling training program on spinal and corticospinal excitability in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). Four participants with AIS grade C or D completed the program, with spinal excitability measured using the H-reflex and corticospinal excitability assessed via motor evoked potentials (MEP) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The study aimed to explore the potential of arm and leg cycling as a non-gait-specific rehabilitation method to enhance neural plasticity and improve motor recovery. Significant improvements were observed in both spinal and corticospinal excitability. H-reflex values increased by 104% from baseline to the end of the intervention, and MEP values increased by 44% over the same period. These findings suggest that arm and leg cycling training can effectively enhance neural connectivity and promote functional recovery in individuals with iSCI, highlighting its potential as a cost-effective and scalable rehabilitation intervention.