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Published on: November 11, 2022
Dynamic trunk stability is improved in paraplegics following kayak ergometer training
A Bjerkefors1, M G Carpenter, A Thorstensson
1Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. anna.bjerkefors@gih.se
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|March 3, 2007
Summary
Kayaking ergometer training improved postural stability in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). This training enhanced their ability to maintain an upright sitting posture against balance challenges, improving daily life mobility.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Science
- Biomechanics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) often impairs postural stability.
- Maintaining balance is crucial for daily activities and independence in individuals with SCI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if specialized training can enhance postural stability in individuals with thoracic spinal cord injury.
- To investigate the effects of kayak ergometer training on balance control in a seated position.
Main Methods:
- Ten participants with thoracic SCI underwent 10 weeks of kayak ergometer training (30 sessions).
- Training involved a modified ergometer with a balance module.
- Postural responses to unpredictable support-surface translations (forward, backward, lateral) were measured before and after training using 3D motion capture.
Main Results:
- Post-training, participants exhibited significantly improved postural stability.
- Smaller trunk angular and linear displacements were observed in response to all directions of translation.
- Training enhanced the ability to maintain an upright sitting posture against external balance perturbations.
Conclusions:
- Kayak ergometer training is an effective intervention for improving postural stability in individuals with chronic SCI.
- Enhanced balance control suggests a greater capacity to manage everyday challenges to stability.
- This training may contribute to improved functional independence and quality of life for individuals with SCI.
