CARE training programme in chronic SCI
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effect of a combined aerobic and resistance exercise (CARE) training programme on cardiometabolic outcomes in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury: A randomised controlled trial
IRAS ID
338847
Contact name
James Bilzon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bath
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Previous studies suggest that exercise is a key component of rehabilitation for maintaining and improving many elements of health-related physical function, such as diminishing cardio-metabolic syndrome (CMS) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). A systematic review in 2020 discovered that participating in aerobic exercise training may lead to improvements in waist circumference and insulin levels. Furthermore, when resistance exercise is combined with aerobic exercise, it may bring about beneficial changes in the lipid profile. Another factor that causes CMS is a surplus of energy resulting from a significant reduction in energy expenditure and an excessive consumption of energy after SCI. Currently, there is little research that specifically investigates the effect of combining exercise and calorie restriction on cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with SCI. The aim of this research is to investigate the efficacy of an 3-week programme including a combination of dietary energy restriction and exercise (D+E) and also dietary energy restriction alone (D) in improving the health and fitness of people with chronic SCI.
A total of 30 individuals with chronic SCI will be selected randomly to participate in either the D+E group or the D group. Participants in the D+E group will be asked to perform high-intensity interval training and resistance exercises (5 sessions per week) and dietary energy restriction for three weeks at home, whereas participants in the D group will be asked to do dietary energy restriction alone during the three weeks. Baseline and follow-up assessments for both groups will be conducted at the DASH laboratory at the University of Bath to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0380
Date of REC Opinion
6 Feb 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion