The effects of single bouts of body-weight supported treadmill training on the feeling states of people with spinal cord injury

Abstract

Study Design: Pre-test, post-test study of the relationship between exercise-related changes in feeling states and pain among persons with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) who performed three separate exercise sessions consisting of body-weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT). Objectives: To determine whether exercise-related changes in feeling states are related to exercise-related changes in pain and in-task pain. Setting: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Methods: A total of 14 men and women with chronic, incomplete SCI (ASIA B and C) performed three exercise sessions of BWSTT. Measures of pain and feeling states were administered before and after each session along with a measure of pain experienced while exercising. Results: Participants who experienced greater decreases in pain from pre- to post-exercise also experienced greater improvements in feeling states. Pain experienced during exercise was unrelated to changes in feeling states. Conclusion: Among persons with SCI, exercise-related changes in pain can influence the effects of individual exercise bouts on feeling states. © 2007 International Spinal Cord Society All rights reserved.