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Balthazaar SJT, Nightingale TE, Currie KD, West CR, Tsang TSM, Walter M, Krassioukov AV. Temporal Changes of Cardiac Structure, Function, and Mechanics During Sub-acute Cervical and Thoracolumbar Spinal Cord Injury in Humans: A Case-Series. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:881741. [PMID: 35783818 PMCID: PMC9240304 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.881741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) experience deleterious changes in cardiac structure and function. However, knowledge on when cardiac alterations occur and whether this is dependent upon neurological level of injury remains to be determined. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to assess left ventricular structure, function, and mechanics in 10 male individuals (median age 34 years, lower and upper quartiles 32–50) with cervical (n = 5, c-SCI) or thoracolumbar (n = 5, tl-SCI) motor-complete SCI at 3- and 6-months post-injury. Compared to the 3-month assessment, individuals with c-SCI displayed structural, functional, and mechanical changes during the 6-month assessment, including significant reductions in end diastolic volume [121 mL (104–139) vs. 101 mL (99–133), P = 0.043], stroke volume [75 mL (61–85) vs. 60 mL (58–80), P = 0.042], myocardial contractile velocity (S') [0.11 m/s (0.10–0.13) vs. 0.09 m/s (0.08–0.10), P = 0.043], and peak diastolic longitudinal strain rate [1.29°/s (1.23–1.34) vs. 1.07°/s (0.95–1.15), P = 0.043], and increased early diastolic filling over early myocardial relaxation velocity (E/E') ratio [5.64 (4.71–7.72) vs. 7.48 (6.42–8.42), P = 0.043]. These indices did not significantly change in individuals with tl-SCI between time points. Ejection fraction was different between individuals with c-SCI and tl-SCI at 3 [61% (57–63) vs. 54% (52–55), P < 0.01] and 6 months [58% (57–62) vs. 55% (52–56), P < 0.01], though values were considered normal. These results demonstrate that individuals with c-SCI exhibit significant reductions in cardiac function from 3 to 6 months post-injury, whereas individuals with tl-SCI do not, suggesting the need for early rehabilitation to minimize cardiac consequences in this specific population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane J. T. Balthazaar
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tom E. Nightingale
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trauma Science Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Katharine D. Currie
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Christopher R. West
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Teresa S. M. Tsang
- Department of Cardiology, Vancouver General and UBC Hospitals, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Matthias Walter
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrei V. Krassioukov
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Andrei V. Krassioukov
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Fossey MPM, Balthazaar SJT, Squair JW, Williams AM, Poormasjedi-Meibod MS, Nightingale TE, Erskine E, Hayes B, Ahmadian M, Jackson GS, Hunter DV, Currie KD, Tsang TSM, Walter M, Little JP, Ramer MS, Krassioukov AV, West CR. Spinal cord injury impairs cardiac function due to impaired bulbospinal sympathetic control. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1382. [PMID: 35296681 PMCID: PMC8927412 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29066-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury chronically alters cardiac structure and function and is associated with increased odds for cardiovascular disease. Here, we investigate the cardiac consequences of spinal cord injury on the acute-to-chronic continuum, and the contribution of altered bulbospinal sympathetic control to the decline in cardiac function following spinal cord injury. By combining experimental rat models of spinal cord injury with prospective clinical studies, we demonstrate that spinal cord injury causes a rapid and sustained reduction in left ventricular contractile function that precedes structural changes. In rodents, we experimentally demonstrate that this decline in left ventricular contractile function following spinal cord injury is underpinned by interrupted bulbospinal sympathetic control. In humans, we find that activation of the sympathetic circuitry below the level of spinal cord injury causes an immediate increase in systolic function. Our findings highlight the importance for early interventions to mitigate the cardiac functional decline following spinal cord injury. By combining experimental models with prospective clinical studies, the authors show that spinal cord injury causes a rapid reduction in cardiac function that precedes structural changes, and that the loss of descending sympathetic control is the major cause of reduced cardiac function following spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary P M Fossey
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shane J T Balthazaar
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jordan W Squair
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alexandra M Williams
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Tom E Nightingale
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Centre for Trauma Sciences Research, University of Birmingham, Edgabaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Erin Erskine
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Brian Hayes
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mehdi Ahmadian
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Garett S Jackson
- Faculty of Health and Social Development, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Diana V Hunter
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Katharine D Currie
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Teresa S M Tsang
- Division of Cardiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver General and University of British Columbia Hospital Echocardiography Department, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Matthias Walter
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Urology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan P Little
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Matt S Ramer
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Andrei V Krassioukov
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Christopher R West
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Figoni SF, Dolbow DR, Crawford EC, White ML, Pattanaik S. Does aerobic exercise benefit persons with tetraplegia from spinal cord injury? A systematic review. J Spinal Cord Med 2021; 44:690-703. [PMID: 32043944 PMCID: PMC8477928 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2020.1722935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT This review synthesizes the findings of previous research studies on the cardiovascular and metabolic benefits of aerobic exercise for individuals with tetraplegia secondary to spinal cord injury. They are often less active due to muscular paralysis, sensory loss, and sympathetic nervous system dysfunction that result from injury. Consequently, these persons are at higher risk for exercise intolerance and secondary health conditions. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the evidence concerning efficacy of aerobic exercise training for improving health and exercise performance in persons with tetraplegia from cervical injury. METHODS The search engines PubMed and Google Scholar were used to locate published research. The final 75 papers were selected on the basis of inclusion criteria. The studies were then rank-ordered using Physiotherapy Evidence Database. RESULTS Studies combining individuals with tetraplegia and paraplegia show that voluntary arm-crank training can increase mean peak power output by 33%. Functional electrical stimulation leg cycling was shown to induce higher peak cardiac output and stroke volume than arm-crank exercise. A range of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) values have been reported (0.57-1.32 L/min). Both VO2peak and cardiac output may be enhanced via increased muscle pump in the legs and venous return to the heart. Hybrid exercise (arm-crank and functional electrical stimulation leg cycling) can result in greater peak oxygen uptake and cardiovascular responses. CONCLUSION Evidence gathered from this systematic review of literature is inconclusive due to the lack of research focusing on those with tetraplegia. Higher power studies (level 1-3) are needed with the focus on those with tetraplegia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen F Figoni
- Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders Healthcare Group (128), Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, Long Beach, California, USA
| | - David R Dolbow
- Physical Therapy Program, William Carey University, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
| | - Edwin C Crawford
- Physical Therapy Program, William Carey University, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
| | - Margaret L White
- Physical Therapy Program, William Carey University, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
| | - Sambit Pattanaik
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, William Carey University, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
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Thompson WR, Vanlandewijck YC. Perspectives on research conducted at the Paralympic Games. Disabil Rehabil 2020; 43:3503-3514. [DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1849427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Walter R. Thompson
- College of Education & Human Development, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yves C. Vanlandewijck
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), Stockholm, Sweden
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Physiological responses to moderate intensity continuous and high-intensity interval exercise in persons with paraplegia. Spinal Cord 2020; 59:26-33. [PMID: 32681118 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-020-0520-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Randomized crossover. OBJECTIVES To test differences in the duration and magnitude of physiological response to isocaloric moderate intensity continuous (MICE) and high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) sessions in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING Academic medical center in Miami, FL, USA. METHODS Ten adult men (mean ± s.d.; 39 ± 10 year old) with chronic (13.2 ± 8.8 year) paraplegia (T2-T10) completed a graded exercise test. Then, in a randomized order, participants completed MICE and HIIE for a cost of 120 kcal. MICE was performed at 24.6% POpeak. During HIIE, exercise was completed in 2 min work and recovery phases at 70%:10% POpeak. RESULTS MICE and HIIE were isocaloric (115.9 ± 21.8 and 116.6 ± 35.0 kcal, respectively; p = 0.903), but differed in duration (39.8 ± 4.6 vs 32.2 ± 6.2 min; p < 0.001) and average respiratory exchange ratio (RER; 0.90 ± 0.08 vs 1.01 ± 0.07; p = 0.002). During MICE, a workrate of 24.6 ± 6.7% POpeak elicited a V̇O2 of 53.1 ± 6.5% V̇O2peak (10.1 ± 2.2 ml kg-1 min-1). During HIIE, a workrate at 70% POpeak elicited 88.3 ± 6.7% V̇O2peak (16.9 ± 4.2 ml kg-1 min-1), and 29.4 ± 7.7% of the session was spent at or above 80% V̇O2peak. During HIIE working phase, RER declined from the first to last interval (1.08 ± 0.07 vs 0.98 ± 0.09; p < 0.001), reflecting an initially high but declining glycolytic rate. CONCLUSIONS Compared with MICE, HIIE imposed a greater physiological stimulus while requiring less time to achieve a target caloric expenditure. Thus, exercise intensity might be an important consideration in the tailoring of exercise prescription to address the cardiometabolic comorbidities of SCI.
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Małek ŁA, Mróz A, Czajkowska A, Kosmol A, Ogonowska-Słodownik A, Molik B, Morgulec-Adamowicz N. Accuracy of Impedance Cardiography for Hemodynamic Assessment During Rest and Exercise in Wheelchair Rugby Players. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2019; 90:336-343. [PMID: 31082312 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2019.1600651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the accuracy of impedance cardiography (ICG) for hemodynamic assessment in wheelchair rugby players during rest and exercise. Method: The study included 21 players (mean age 33.0 ± 5.4, 86% male) with posttraumatic tetraplegia. ECG, echocardiography, and gas exchange analysis during rest and exercise were used to obtain heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), and cardiac output (CO) for comparison with PhysioFlow®. Results: There was a good correlation between reference methods and ICG for HR, SV, CO at rest and CO at peak exercise (r = 0.69-0.77, p < .001) and a very good correlation for peak HR (r = 0.91, p < .0001). ICG overestimated SV at rest, CO at rest, and peak CO, which resulted in low intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC = 0.250 and 0.570). Conclusions: ICG can serve as a good estimate of basic hemodynamic parameters during rest and exercise in wheelchair rugby players but overestimates stroke volume and cardiac output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz A Małek
- a Józef Pilsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw
| | - Anna Mróz
- a Józef Pilsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw
| | - Anna Czajkowska
- a Józef Pilsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw
| | - Andrzej Kosmol
- a Józef Pilsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw
| | | | - Bartosz Molik
- a Józef Pilsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw
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Krassioukov AV, Currie KD, Hubli M, Nightingale TE, Alrashidi AA, Ramer L, Eng JJ, Ginis KAM, MacDonald MJ, Hicks A, Ditor D, Oh P, Verrier MC, Craven BC. Effects of exercise interventions on cardiovascular health in individuals with chronic, motor complete spinal cord injury: protocol for a randomised controlled trial [Cardiovascular Health/Outcomes: Improvements Created by Exercise and education in SCI (CHOICES) Study]. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e023540. [PMID: 30612110 PMCID: PMC6326283 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent studies demonstrate that cardiovascular diseases and associated complications are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Abnormal arterial stiffness, defined by a carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) ≥10 m/s, is a recognised risk factor for heart disease in individuals with SCI. There is a paucity of studies assessing the efficacy of conventional training modalities on arterial stiffness and other cardiovascular outcomes in this population. Therefore, this study aims to compare the efficacy of arm cycle ergometry training (ACET) and body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) on reducing arterial stiffness in individuals with chronic motor complete, high-level (above the sixth thoracic segment) SCI. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a multicentre, randomised, controlled, clinical trial. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned (1:1) into either ACET or BWSTT groups. Sixty participants with chronic (>1 year) SCI will be recruited from three sites in Canada (Vancouver, Toronto and Hamilton). Participants in each group will exercise three times per week up to 30 min and 60 min for ACET and BWSTT, respectively, over the period of 6 months. The primary outcome measure will be change in arterial stiffness (cfPWV) from baseline. Secondary outcome measures will include comprehensive assessments of: (1) cardiovascular parameters, (2) autonomic function, (3) body composition, (4) blood haematological and metabolic profiles, (5) cardiorespiratory fitness and (6) quality of life (QOL) and physical activity outcomes. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months (only QOL and physical activity outcomes). Statistical analyses will apply linear-mixed modelling to determine the training (time), group (ACET vs BWSTT) and interaction (time × group) effects on all outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval was obtained from all three participating sites. Primary and secondary outcome data will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and widely disseminated. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01718977; Pre-results. TRIAL STATUS Recruitment for this study began on January 2013 and the first participant was randomized on April 2013. Recruitment stopped on October 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei V Krassioukov
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Katharine D Currie
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Michèle Hubli
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Swaziland
| | - Tom E Nightingale
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Abdullah A Alrashidi
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Physical Therapy Department, King Fahd Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Leanne Ramer
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Janice J Eng
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kathleen A Martin Ginis
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Southern Medical Program, School of Health & Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Audrey Hicks
- Spinal Cord Injury Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dave Ditor
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul Oh
- Department of Medicine University Health Network, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Molly C Verrier
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Beverly Catharine Craven
- Department of Medicine University Health Network, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Walter M, Krassioukov AV. Autonomic Nervous System in Paralympic Athletes with Spinal Cord Injury. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2018; 29:245-266. [PMID: 29627087 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Individuals sustaining a spinal cord injury (SCI) frequently suffer from sensorimotor and autonomic impairment. Damage to the autonomic nervous system results in cardiovascular, respiratory, bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunctions, as well as temperature dysregulation. These complications not only impede quality of life, but also affect athletic performance of individuals with SCI. This article summarizes existing evidence on how damage to the spinal cord affects the autonomic nervous system and impacts the performance in athletes with SCI. Also discussed are frequently used performance-enhancing strategies, with a special focus on their legal aspect and implication on the athletes' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Walter
- Faculty of Medicine, International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, 818 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Andrei V Krassioukov
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, University of British Columbia, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health, 818 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1M9, Canada.
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9
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Biering-Sørensen F, Biering-Sørensen T, Liu N, Malmqvist L, Wecht JM, Krassioukov A. Alterations in cardiac autonomic control in spinal cord injury. Auton Neurosci 2018; 209:4-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Vitores AA, Sloley SS, Martinez C, Carballosa-Gautam MM, Hentall ID. Some Autonomic Deficits of Acute or Chronic Cervical Spinal Contusion Reversed by Interim Brainstem Stimulation. J Neurotrauma 2017; 35:560-572. [PMID: 29160143 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged electrical stimulation of the hindbrain's nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) or of its major midbrain input region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG), was previously found in rats to promote recovery from sensory-motor and histological deficits of acute thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, some visceral deficits of acute and chronic midline cervical (C5) contusion are similarly examined. Cranially implanted wireless stimulators delivered intermittent 8 Hz, 30-70 μA cathodal pulse trains to a brainstem microelectrode. Injured controls were given inactive stimulators; rats without injuries or implants were also compared. Rectal distension or squeezing of the forepaws caused an exaggerated rise in mean arterial pressure in injured, untreated rats under anesthesia on post-injury week 6, probably reflecting autonomic dysreflexia (AD). These pressor responses became normal when 7 days of unilateral PAG stimulation was started on the injury day. Older untreated injuries (weeks 18-19) showed normal pressor responses, but unexpectedly had significant resting and nociceptive bradycardia, which was reversed by 3 weeks of PAG stimulation started on weeks 7 or 12. Subsequent chronic studies examined gastric emptying (GE), as indicated by intestinal transit of gavaged dye, and serum chemistry. GE and fasting serum insulin were reduced on injury weeks 14-15, and were both normalized by ∼5 weeks of PAG stimulation begun in weeks 7-8. Increases in calcitonin gene-related peptide, a prominent visceral afferent neurotransmitter, measured near untreated injuries (first thoracic segment) in superficial dorsal laminae were reversed by acutely or chronically initiated PAG stimulation. The NRM, given 2-3 weeks of stimulation beginning 2 days after SCI, prevented abnormalities in both pressor responses and GE on post-injury week 9, consistent with its relaying of repair commands from the PAG. The descending PAG-NRM axis thus exhibits broadly restorative influences on visceral as well as sensory-motor deficits, improving chronic as well as acute signs of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto A Vitores
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami, Florida
| | - Stephanie S Sloley
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami, Florida
| | - Catalina Martinez
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami, Florida
| | - Melissa M Carballosa-Gautam
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami, Florida
| | - Ian D Hentall
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami, Florida
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11
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DeVeau KM, Harman KA, Squair JW, Krassioukov AV, Magnuson DSK, West CR. A comparison of passive hindlimb cycling and active upper-limb exercise provides new insights into systolic dysfunction after spinal cord injury. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2017; 313:H861-H870. [PMID: 28710067 PMCID: PMC9925118 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00046.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Active upper-limb and passive lower-limb exercise are two interventions used in the spinal cord injury (SCI) population. Although the global cardiac responses have been previously studied, it is unclear how either exercise influences contractile cardiac function. Here, the cardiac contractile and volumetric responses to upper-limb (swim) and passive lower-limb exercise were investigated in rodents with a severe high-thoracic SCI. Animals were divided into control (CON), SCI no exercise (NO-EX), SCI passive hindlimb cycling (PHLC), or SCI swim (SWIM) groups. Severe contusion SCI was administered at the T2 level. PHLC and SWIM interventions began on day 8 postinjury and lasted 25 days. Echocardiography and dobutamine stress echocardiography were performed before and after injury. Cardiac contractile indexes were assessed in vivo at study termination via a left ventricular pressure-volume conductance catheter. Stroke volume was reduced after SCI (91 µl in the NO-EX group vs. 188 µl in the CON group, P < 0.05) and was reversed at study termination in the PHLC (167 µl) but not SWIM (90 µl) group. Rates of contraction were reduced in NO-EX versus CON groups (6,079 vs. 9,225 mmHg, respectively, P < 0.05) and were unchanged by PHLC and SWIM training. Similarly, end-systolic elastance was reduced in the NO-EX versus CON groups (0.67 vs. 1.37 mmHg/µl, respectively, P < 0.05) and was unchanged by PHLC or SWIM training. Dobutamine infusion normalized all pressure indexes in each SCI group (all P < 0.05). In conclusion, PHLC improves flow-derived cardiac indexes, whereas SWIM training displayed no cardiobeneficial effect. Pressure-derived deficits were corrected only with dobutamine, suggesting that reduced β-adrenergic stimulation is principally responsible for the impaired cardiac contractile function after SCI.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first direct comparison between the cardiac changes elicited by active upper-limb or passive lower-limb exercise after spinal cord injury. Here, we demonstrate that lower-limb exercise positively influences flow-derived cardiac indexes, whereas upper-limb exercise does not. Furthermore, neither intervention corrects the cardiac contractile dysfunction associated with spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M. DeVeau
- 1International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; ,2Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky;
| | - Kathryn A. Harman
- 1International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; ,2Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky;
| | - Jordan W. Squair
- 1International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; ,3MD/PhD Training Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada;
| | - Andrei V. Krassioukov
- 4Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; ,5GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Health Authority, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and
| | - David S. K. Magnuson
- 2Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky;
| | - Christopher R. West
- 1International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; ,6School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Abstract
Over the past 10 years, our team has attended numerous Paralympic games and International Paralympic Committee (IPC)-sanctioned events where we have accumulated the largest data set to date from elite athletes with spinal cord injury (SCI). This empirical evidence has allowed us to address critical questions related to health and athletic performance in these incredibly medically complex individuals. Namely, does autonomic function influence performance? Can we account for this with the present sport classification? How can we prevent the doping practice of self-inducing life-threatening episodes of hypertension to improve performance (termed "boosting")? How does extremely high participation in routine upper-body wheelchair exercise impact cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease risk? Is it possible to improve the sport classification to level the playing field between athletes with and without autonomic dysfunction? Herein, we will narratively address these questions, and provide our perspective on future directions and recommendations moving forward. Our extensive clinical experience and comprehensive dataset suggest preserved autonomic function is critical for elite performance. We will explore how an easy-to-execute test may be able to predict which individuals are most likely to develop autonomic dysfunctions that may negatively affect their health and performance. We also will evaluate the possibility that a level playing field may be even more difficult to establish than once thought, considering the importance of not only voluntary movement to performance, but also autonomic function. Finally, we also will discuss new changes in screening guidelines at Rio to assess the occurrence of boosting, which is a banned practice by the IPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron A Phillips
- 1 International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jordan W Squair
- 1 International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada .,2 MD/PhD Training Program, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andrei V Krassioukov
- 1 International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada .,3 Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada .,4 GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Health Authority, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Currie KD, West CR, Stöhr EJ, Krassioukov AV. Left Ventricular Mechanics in Untrained and Trained Males with Tetraplegia. J Neurotrauma 2017; 34:591-598. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2016.4510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Katharine D. Currie
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christopher R. West
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eric J. Stöhr
- Discipline of Physiology & Health, Cardiff School of Sport, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Andrei V. Krassioukov
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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14
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Challenging cardiac function post-spinal cord injury with dobutamine. Auton Neurosci 2016; 209:19-24. [PMID: 28065654 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
There is general consensus that spinal cord injuries (SCI) above T6 result in altered sympathetic control of the heart, which negatively influences cardiac structure and function. To by-pass disrupted circuitry and investigate cardiac responses under enhanced sympathetic activity we utilized dobutamine (DOB) stress echocardiography. Animals were divided into a T2, 25g-cm contusive SCI (SCI) or an uninjured control (CON) group. Echocardiography was performed pre-SCI and at 1, 2 and 6weeks post-SCI. Increasing doses of DOB (5, 10 & 20μg/min/kg) were infused intravenously pre-SCI and at 1 and 6weeks post-SCI. Parasternal-short axis images were used to compare group differences in systolic function and track changes in response to SCI and DOB over time. One week post-SCI, stroke volume (SV), end diastolic volume (EDV), cardiac output (CO) and ejection fraction (EF) were all reduced compared to CON and these deficits persisted to 6weeks. We also found an increase in collagen deposition at 6weeks post SCI. Pre-SCI, DOB elicited a decrease in EDV and increases in CO, EF and HR but not SV. At 6weeks following SCI, in addition to increases in CO, EF and HR, DOB also induced increases in SV. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of DOB responses in a contusive SCI model with persistent cardiac impairments. The return of CO to pre-SCI levels and the substantial increase in SV at low DOB dosages shows that impaired descending control of the heart is directly contributing to reduced resting SV after SCI.
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