Effectiveness of aerobic physical training for spinal cord injury rehabilitation: A mini-review.

Hong Kong physiotherapy journal : official publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu li chih liao · 2026 · Narrative Review · PT
Md Kutub Uddin, Faruq Ahmed, Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Myeen Uddin Ahmad, Md Morshedul Islam, Abu Sufian, Md Nuruzzaman, Md Bellal Hossain, Morshada Rahman Mitu

A short review of five randomised trials finds that aerobic exercise improves fitness, mood, and daily function in people with spinal cord injury. It is a safe, low-cost addition to rehabilitation, but the best dose and duration are still unclear.

Key findings

1

Across five randomised controlled trials, aerobic training improved well-being, functionality, and overall health in paraplegic spinal cord injury patients.

2

The review suggests approximately three sessions per week, each lasting about one hour, for at least 12 weeks as a starting point for improving functional ability and posture control.

3

The exercise regimens, timing, and frequency varied across the included studies, and the authors state that further research is needed to identify the optimal protocol and long-term effects.

MethodologyResultsClinical Relevance

Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Sixty-four participants were randomized across two intervention arms and assessed at twelve weeks for the primary outcome…

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Summarised by AI from the abstract, not the full paper. Check it against the source before it changes what you do. Read it on PubMed