BRIEF RESUME OF THE INTENDED WORK

INTRODUCTION

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is defined as damage to the spinal cord that temporarily or permanently causes changes in its function. SCI’s have devastating physical, social and vocational consequences for patients and their families, and a loss of independence and persistently increased lifelong mortality rates are the hallmarks of SCI. More than 90% of SCI cases are traumatic and caused by incidences such as traffic accidents, violence, sports, or falls. The Male-to-female ratio of 2:1 for SCI, which happens more frequently in adults compared to children. Demographically, men are mostly affected during their early and late adulthood (3rd and 8th decades of life) while women are at higher risk during their adolescence (15–19 years) and 7th decade of their lives.

Individuals with SCI are known to be at elevated risk for cardiopulmonary complications. Various reports have associated this risk with the sedentary lifestyle  and low levels of fitness  observed in persons. In some cases their limited physical capacities are sufficient to compromise functional levels necessary for performance of basic daily activities.² The loss of somatic and autonomic control results in a reduction of physical activity and blunted cardiovascular response to exercise. Consequences of this reduction in physical activity include detrimental changes in body composition and metabolic profiles leading to significantly poorer health outcomes in this population.

Physical deconditioning is a state of diminished strength, stamina, and capacity to perform physical activity. A decline in strength, endurance, and functional capacity are major health concerns for the individual living with SCI. As stated before, sedentary behavior and inactivity are major risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders and have been linked to decreased muscular strength, reduced aerobic capacity, and increased disability.¹² Muscle strength is decreased because neurological input to the affected muscles that retain partial innervation is deficient, leading to the loss of normal activation timing and force-generating capacity.

Circuit training (CT) consisting of several resistance exercises performed in succession, with one set directly followed by a different resistance maneuver. Rest periods between these maneuvers are usually kept to a minimum, which keeps the HR elevated throughout the entire training session. A prescribed number of circuits are then 2 completed for each training session. The benefits of CT in persons without disabilities are well established and include greater muscular strength, cardiorespiratory endurance and aerobic capacity than achieved when performing resistance training and/or aerobic training alone.

 NEED FOR THE STUDY

Studying the effects of circuit training on aerobic capacity and muscle strength in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients is crucial for several reasons. Such research can contribute valuable insights into developing tailored rehabilitation programs and improving the overall quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries. There is a scarcity of comprehensive research on the specific effects of circuit training in the context of spinal cord injuries. A study in this area would help fill the existing knowledge gap and provide evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitation. As there is lack of literature combining aerobic and anaerobic exercises in the form of circuit training.